Personal Security and Identity Theft Expert Repeats His Call for Security Technology Such as GPS Tracking to be Installed on Laptop Computers

(IDTheftSecurity.com) With a new spate of high-profile laptop thefts of possibly far-reaching ramifications flooding the news, a widely televised and quoted personal security and identity theft expert repeated his stance on mobile computing security. Robert Siciliano urged organizations both large and small to make investments in technology such as GPS tracking for their laptop computer fleets.

"Laptop theft isn't going to stop before the majority of mobile computers are equipped with antitheft technology," said Siciliano. "Thieves seek the path of least resistance—and avoid threats to this. Once word hits the streets that most owners are using GPS tracking to retrieve their lost laptops, thefts of mobile computing devices will wane."

Siciliano, president of IDTheftSecurity.com, leads Fortune 500 companies and their clients in workshops that teach consumers strategies to combat data security problems. The Privacy Learning Institute has featured Siciliano, a longtime speaker on identity theft. Author of "The Safety Minute: 01," Siciliano has discussed identity theft and data security on CNBC, on NBC's "Today Show," FOX News, and elsewhere.

The past weeks have seen new incidences of high-impact laptop thefts—again highlighting the need for recovery and security technology on mobile computers:

•    On March 2, ZDNet UK and other news outlets reported on the recent theft of a laptop computer belonging to Worcestershire County Council in the United Kingdom. The machine stored bank and national insurance information on more than 16,000 staff and former employees.

•    On Feb. 21, articles in The Columbus Dispatch and elsewhere reported the loss of five laptops from Towers Perrin, a benefits–consulting firm in Manhattan. The whereabouts of the computers, home to the Social Security numbers and other identifying data of an untold number of JPMorgan Chase and Bank One retirees and former employees, are unknown.

On Feb. 26, Government Computer News ran an article sharing highlights from a 121-page audit report (link to PDF document) by the Justice Department Office of the Inspector General. The audit found that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had decreased theft of its own laptops by 312 percent since 2002, but that the reporting of lost sensitive data has been inadequate.

"Failure to report the consequences of laptop theft is a mistake," said Siciliano. "Such behavior only elevates the chances, and heightens the potential cost, of litigious actions that can follow stonewalling, cover-ups, or even simple incompetence."

Research from Gartner Group has shown that the cost of laptop computer theft can exceed $6,000 for even just one machine, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation has reported that losses due to laptop theft totaled more than $6.7 million dollars in 2005.

Siciliano directed individuals and organizations alike to MyLaptopGPS™. Mentioned on Law.com, ConsumerAffairs.com, and, most recently, in the Baltimore Examiner, this product from the company of the same name combines Internet-based GPS tracking, which, for tracking stolen laptops, is more effective than other forms of GPS. Additional technologies from MyLaptopGPS further protect data even while the machine is in a criminal's hands.

"We believe organizations can spare themselves a whole host of problems by simply protecting their mobile computers from theft in the first place," said Dan Yost, chief technology officer at MyLaptopGPS. "Investigations, litigation, and lost equipment can bury an organization under a pile of insurmountable debt. The affordable alternative is Internet-based GPS tracking and associated security technologies available in MyLaptopGPS." On Friday, March 2, Yost addressed the Oklahoma Court Reporters Association in Tulsa (go to streaming audio or mp3 audio).

MyLaptopGPS's software silently retrieves, and then deletes, files from machines as it tracks the hardware—at once returning the data to its rightful owner and removing it from the stolen computer. Users can call on all MyLaptopGPS's functions remotely.

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About IDTheftSecurity.com
Identity theft affects us all, which is why Robert Siciliano, president of IDTheftSecurity.com, makes it his mission to provide consumer education solutions on identity theft to Fortune 500 companies and their clients. A leader of personal safety and security seminars nationwide, Siciliano has been featured on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, "The Suze Orman Show," "ABC News with Sam Donaldson," "The Montel Williams Show," "Maury Povich," "Sally Jesse Raphael," and "The Howard Stern Show." Visit Siciliano's Web site, www.IDTheftSecurity.com, or his blog, www.IDTheftSecurity.blogspot.com.

About MyLaptopGPS
Since 1984, the minds behind AIT Solutions, LLC (DBA MyLaptopGPS.com) have specialized in complete system integration. From real-time electronic payment processing software to renowned mid-market ERP implementations, the executive team at MyLaptopGPS has been servicing leading enterprises and implementing world-class data systems. With MyLaptopGPS™, AIT Solutions, LLC brings a level of expertise, dedication, knowledge and service that is unmatched. MyLaptopGPS™'s rock-solid performance, security, and reliability flow directly from the company's commitment to top-notch software products and services.

The media are encouraged to get in touch directly with the following individuals:

Robert Siciliano
Personal Security Expert
PHONE: 888-SICILIANO (742-4542)
FAX: 877-2-FAX-NOW (232-9669)
Robert@IDTheftSecurity.com
www.idtheftsecurity.com

John Dunivan
MyLaptopGPS Media Relations
PHONE: (405) 747-6654 (direct line)
jd@MyLaptopGPS.com
www.MyLaptopGPS.com

The media may also contact:

Brent W. Skinner, President
STETrevisions
PHONE: 617-875-4859
FAX: 866-663-6557
BrentSkinner@STETrevisions.biz
www.STETrevisions.biz