Identity Theft Expert and MyLaptopGPS: Recessionary Economic Circumstances Can Greatly Increase the Damaging Effects of Laptop Computer Theft
Laptop theft protection firm MyLaptopGPS noted that the loss to thieves of mobile computing equipment can be financially catastrophic in a recessionary economy.

BOSTON, MA, March 09, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Amid conflicting research and predictions about the likelihood that organizations will invest in security technology this year, laptop theft protection firm MyLaptopGPS (http://www.MyLaptopGPS.com) today noted that the loss to thieves of mobile computing equipment can be financially catastrophic in a recessionary economy. Widely televised and quoted personal security and identity theft expert Robert Siciliano encouraged organizations everywhere to invest in MyLaptopGPS' laptop tracking and data retrieval technology; such action can shield their budgets from the financial fallout that typically follows the loss of a data-housing asset.

"Recessions have a way of prompting action that will ultimately save money," said Siciliano. "Paying attention to computer security and taking simple steps to improve it are among the few activities that can truly deliver a return on investment in this regard. Just as smart organizations always tend to the security of their computer networks and mobile computing assets, the smartest organizations invest in these areas during economic downturns and thus avoid the financial catastrophe that data breaches not only bring, but also amplify when economic conditions are bad."

CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com and a member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report's editorial board, Siciliano leads Fortune 500 companies and their clients through presentations that explore security solutions for businesses and individuals. Author of "The Safety Minute: 01" and a longtime identity theft speaker, he has discussed data security and consumer protection on CNBC, NBC's "Today Show," FOX News Network, and elsewhere.

Several factors not only exacerbate the pain of computer asset loss during a recession, but also in fact might be causes. On Feb. 5, for instance, Forrester Research's Theanalystview predicted that companies experiencing layoffs this year will want to invest in technology designed to secure or recover data-housing computer assets -- any number of which can go missing along with the disgruntled former employees who still have access to them.

Even so, at least one industry sector is seeing cutbacks in security spending: "64 percent of retailers have cut security projects as a result of the economic downturn, and 36% expect budget cuts next year," according to a Feb. 27th report by ComputerWeekly, which cited a recent Consumer Business Security Survey from Deloitte.

"In a recession, it's all the more damaging to experience a several hundred thousand dollar data breach," said MyLaptopGPS' chief technology officer, Dan Yost, who invited readers to visit the MyLaptopGPS blog.

http://blog.mylaptopgps.com/

Continued Yost, "During economic downturns, organizations must very carefully nurture and protect what they already have because they just don't have the resources to go out and invest in new computer equipment. This is where an incredibly low theft rate comes in handy -- and saves money."

The theft rate for laptop computers equipped with MyLaptopGPS is just 0.4 percent, or 32 times lower than the average. Additionally, Yost pointed to SafeRegistry , a comprehensive system from MyLaptopGPS for inventorying entire fleets of mobile computers, as well as a full line of highly renowned SafeTags , which are police-traceable property tags designed to secure iPods , cell phones, BlackBerry devices and other mobile property.

Yost's expertise has been featured twice in CXO Europe. Furthermore, in December of 2008, he and Siciliano co-delivered a presentation titled "Information in the Modern Age: Maintaining Privacy in an Era of Medical Record Identity Theft" at the 4th Annual World Healthcare Innovation & Technology Congress in Washington, D.C., where Former U.S. Congressman Newt Gingrich delivered the keynote address:

http://www.worldcongress.com/events/HL09010/index.cfm?confCode=HL09010

Readers who belong to LinkedIn are encouraged to join the MyLaptopGPS group there, Laptop Computer Security:

http://www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&gid=1572907

Featured in Inc. Magazine and TechRepublic, MyLaptopGPS maintains the Realtime Estimated Damage Index (REDI ), a running tally of highly publicized laptop and desktop computer thefts and losses and these losses' associated costs:

http://mylaptopgps.com/redi.php

A log of these high-profile laptop thefts is available at MyLaptopGPS' website:

http://www.mylaptopgps.com/chronicle.php

Readers may download a demo of MyLaptopGPS:

http://mylaptopgps.com/demo_set.php

They also have the opportunity to read one of two reports tailored to the type of organization they run:

http://mylaptopgps.com/repfork.php

MyLaptopGPS combines Internet-based GPS tracking with other functionalities to secure mobile computing devices. A user launches MyLaptopGPS' features remotely, protecting data even while the machine is in a criminal's hands. Once connected to the Internet, the software silently retrieves and then deletes files from machines as it tracks the stolen or missing hardware -- at once returning the data to its rightful owner and removing it from the lost mobile computing device.

YouTube video shows Siciliano on a local FOX News affiliate discussing the importance of securing mobile computing devices on college campuses, where laptop theft can run rampant:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-HvuoHtOrY&feature=channel_page

To learn more about identity theft, a major concern for anyone who's lost a laptop computer or other mobile computing device to thieves, readers may go to video of Siciliano at VideoJug.

http://www.videojug.com/interview/identity-theft-computers-and-laptops

Press Release Contact Information:

Robert Siciliano
IDTheftSecurity.com
Identity Theft Expert
P.O. Box 15145
Boston, MA
United States 02215
Voice: 888-742-4542
Fax: 877-232-9669
Website: Visit Our Website