New product tracks stolen computers

May 2003 Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration Access Control & Identity Management

Local distributor Dexchange is offering PC PhoneHome and Mac PhoneHome, two inexpensive programs that monitor and track stolen computers anywhere in the world.

"Computer theft, particularly of Apple Macs and laptops, has reached epidemic proportions, costing governments, corporates, educational institutions, financial institutions and insurance companies millions," said Dexchange CEO, Mike Smith.

"Once installed, the PC PhoneHome program occupies very little space, and is virtually undetectable and ineradicable," said Smith. "Its sole task is to send a secret e-mail to a special operations room every time the computer boots up and connects to the Internet. These messages are ignored until the computer is reported as missing."

The next time the computer logs on and sends the e-mail, the operations centre locks on to it. The physical location can then be established, the premises visited by the South African Police Services, the hardware recovered, the thief arrested, and the forensic evidence gathered for successful prosecution of the thieves. A special team then undertakes the recovery, forensics and return of these items.

Although providing a satisfying conclusion to the theft of a computer, the real reason that organisations like NASA, Yale University and MIT have installed PC PhoneHome is the dramatic reduction in theft, according to Smith. Henrico County (Virginia, USA) issued 12 000 i-Books valued at $18 million for free use by public school pupils. Although a loss of $3 million was anticipated in the first year alone, the amount of actual thefts was zero. Thieves do not want to steal a guaranteed 'go to jail' card. Since its launch, 250 000 computers have had PC PhoneHome installed internationally and, of the few that have been stolen, 95% have been recovered, compared to the FBI's national recovery rate of 3%.

For more information contact Dexchange, 011 807 4902, www.dexchange.co.za

Further reading:

Controlling access for people and vehicles
IDEMIA STid Security Technews Publishing Editor's Choice Access Control & Identity Management Asset Management Industrial (Industry) Mining (Industry)
When it comes to access control, the security requirements of mines and the industrial sector are similar, requiring a layered approach that combines physical barriers, digital authentication, and continuous monitoring to protect personnel, assets, and operational continuity.

Read more...

---

Paxton launches new phone-based security system: Solo
Paxton News & Events Access Control & Identity Management
Paxton has officially unveiled Solo, a phone-based, cloud-hosted access control system. As part of the launch, installers can claim a free Solo starter kit from Paxton, allowing them to trial the system and see how it can work for their business.

Read more...

---

Impro announces Primo update
News & Events Access Control & Identity Management Integrated Solutions
Impro Technologies recently held a launch event in which it introduced a series of new products, from new readers through to its updated Primo access management software.

Read more...

---

Centurion raises the bar at HomeSec Expo
Centurion Systems News & Events Access Control & Identity Management Residential Estate (Industry) Smart Home Automation Commercial (Industry)
Centurion Systems unveiled its latest product lines at HomeSec Expo 2026, introducing SMART+, a simpler way for installers and end users to manage their Centurion installations - as well as a few new products.

Read more...

---

Keeping lifting equipment safe and securely on track
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
In the hustle and bustle of mining production, the focus on the servicing of lifting equipment can unintentionally be sidelined. This situation can easily be avoided with a customised Konecranes Service Agreement that offers a comprehensive and systematic approach to asset management.

Read more...

---

Tablet oscilloscope
Vepac Electronics Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
The PeakTech 1212 is a new, innovative oscilloscope designed to resemble a standard tablet in size and form. This tablet oscilloscope allows users to record any common measurement quantity and type, just like a desktop oscilloscope.

Read more...

---

Powerful test controller
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
XJTAG is launching the XJLink-PF20, brings the same dependability and robustness to a new 4-TAP two-port configuration, and offering both functional and JTAG boundary scan testing with the XJTAG testing suite’s long-established power and control.

Read more...

---

Multichannel AWGs for GHz signal generation
Vepac Electronics Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Spectrum Instrumentation has introduced its new flagship Arbitrary Waveform Generators from the company’s Netbox series, an easy-to-use instrument line that can be controlled via an Ethernet cable from any PC or network.

Read more...

---

Access trends for 2026
Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions RR Electronic Security Solutions Enkulu Technologies IDEMIA neaMetrics Editor's Choice Access Control & Identity Management Infrastructure
The access control and identity management industry has been the cornerstone of organisations of all sizes for decades. SMART Security Solutions asked local integrators and distributors about the primary trends in the access and identity market for 2026.

Read more...

---

Access data for business efficiency
Continuum Identity Editor's Choice Access Control & Identity Management AI & Data Analytics Facilities & Building Management
In all organisations, access systems are paramount to securing people, data, places, goods, and resources. Today, hybrid systems deliver significant added value to users at a much lower cost.

Read more...

---