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Stolen Laptops Call Home; Absolute Software Reports Unusual Tales in Crime Fighting

Posted on: Tuesday, 16 May 2006, 12:02 CDT

Absolute Software Corporation ("Absolute") (TSX: ABT), the leading provider of Computer Theft Recovery, Data Protection and Secure Asset Tracking(TM) solutions, has compiled a list of some of its most unusual laptop computer theft recoveries since embedding its solution in the BIOS of major OEM laptops, including Dell, Fujitsu, Gateway, HP and Lenovo. Absolute's suite of software solutions includes Computrace(R)Complete(TM), Computrace(R) Data Protection(TM) and Computrace(R) LoJack(R) for Laptops(TM), its consumer software solution.

When a Computrace-equipped computer is reported stolen, the embedded Computrace agent sends a silent signal to Absolute's Monitoring Center providing critical location information. Absolute then works with local law enforcement to recover the computer. The stealthy Computrace software agent can survive accidental or deliberate attempts to be removed or disabled. Embedded in the BIOS firmware of a laptop, the Computrace agent is capable of surviving operating system re-installations, as well as hard-drive reformats, replacements and re-imaging.

Below are some of Absolute's more intriguing recovery stories from the last twelve months:

Stolen Laptop Given Honorable Discharge

In October 2005, a laptop reported stolen from a college in Illinois began calling in to the Absolute Monitoring Center from an Army barracks stateside. Before a recovery could be attempted, the laptop began calling in from Iraq. The user of the laptop had joined the National Guard and, once contacted in Iraq, indicated he had bought the laptop from someone at the college. The soldier promptly shipped the laptop back to the States where it was returned to its rightful owner. As a token of support to the troops, Absolute provided the serviceman with a new replacement computer.

Chop Shop Uncovered Thanks to Computrace

In Texas, Computrace led police to an auto repair shop, where they found not only the laptop that had been reported stolen, but a stolen luxury SUV, worth over $50,000. Numerous arrests ensued, and the case continues.

Santa Returns Laptops Stolen During Hurricane Katrina

Three laptops reported stolen during Hurricane Katrina were purchased by a woman in Alabama over an online auction service. The buyer kept one of the laptops for herself, and arranged for Santa to give the other two to her kids for Christmas. When informed that the used laptops she had purchased were stolen, Santa Mom offered up the computers. Not wanting to ruin Christmas for the kids, local law enforcement gave Santa a few days grace, giving her time to purchase two identical new laptops, transfer the electronic files over while the kids slept, and then replace the laptops, with the kids none the wiser!

Laptop Takes World Tour, Calls Home Often

A laptop reported stolen from a student in New Jersey in October 2005, called in to Absolute's Monitoring Center five days later from Hong Kong. Shortly thereafter, the laptop began calling in from England, then Dubai, then England again, and next from a hotel in Florida. When the laptop popped up in Massachusetts the next day, state police apprehended an astonished Hong Kong businessman who had bought the computer through an online auction service. A detective who helped crack the case sums it up: "I don't think I'd ever want you guys chasing me."

Stolen Laptops Flunk Student

Two laptops reported stolen from a university in Florida began calling from the same location. Detectives discovered the suspect was a student at the university - and was using the laptops to send out graduation invitations to his family and friends. When a detective knocked on the door and asked the student if he knew why he was there, he replied, matter-of-factly, that he'd stolen two laptops from school. Despite the student's admirable - though belated - cooperation, the youth was charged with two counts of grand theft and will not be graduating.

Over 100 Laptops Recovered for Independent School District

Over 100 stolen or missing laptops have been recovered for one of the nation's largest Independent School Districts (ISD) since they installed Computrace on the district's 15,000 computers. Laptops belonging to this ISD have been recovered from Texas to New Jersey to California after having been purchased by unsuspecting bargain-hunters at pawn shops, flea markets, garage sales, parking lots - even a car wash. Computers belonging to this ISD have been recovered along with other stolen goods and narcotics.

Police Use Computrace-Enabled Laptop in Sting Operation

A Police Department in Texas arranged for a laptop protected by Computrace to end up in the hands of an individual under surveillance. The Computrace-enabled laptop helped police to ultimately break up a crime ring involved in identity theft and the production of counterfeit credit cards.

Stolen Laptop Brings Down House of Crime

A stolen laptop recently pointed authorities in North Carolina to an individual allegedly involved in a wide range of criminal activity. According to local law enforcement officers, the ensuing investigation of the residence revealed not only the stolen laptop, but various other allegedly stolen goods, including another computer ready to ship to an unsuspecting shopper from an online auction service. Also found at the residence were large amounts of contraband. Numerous charges are pending, while the investigation continues.

For more information on Absolute Software and its range of Computer Theft Recovery and Secure Asset Tracking solutions, please visit www.absolute.com.

About Absolute Software

Absolute(R) Software Corporation (TSX: ABT) is the leader in Computer Theft Recovery, Data Protection and Secure Asset Tracking(TM). Absolute provides organizations the ability to accurately and securely track their computing assets, manage leased computers, ensure software license compliance, deter computer loss, protect data and recover stolen computers. The company has key partnerships with global leaders, including Dell, Lenovo, Gateway, HP, Toshiba and Fujitsu. For more information about Absolute and Computrace, visit www.absolute.com.

Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and products, and other expectations, intentions and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact. When used in this press release, the words "plan,""expect,""believe," and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in technology and general market conditions. In light of the many risks and uncertainties you should understand that we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will be realized. (C)2006 Absolute Software Corporation. All rights reserved. Computrace and Absolute are registered trademarks of Absolute Software Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. Computrace US patents No. 5,715,174, No. 5,764,892, No. 5,802,280, No. 6,244,758, No. 6,269,392, No. 6,300,863, and No. 6,507,914. Canadian patent No. 2,305,370. U.K. patents No. EP793823, and No. GB2338101. German patent No. 695 125 34.6-08. Australian patent No. 699045. The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved of the information contained in this news release.

Source: Business Wire

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