Sept/Oct 2004

When it comes to tracking stolen assets, computers have a head start on almost everything else, because communicating is what they're designed for. However, the trick is to get your stolen computer to contact you without the thief realising it has done so - and to give you a clue to its new whereabouts.

That's what Stealth Signal is all about. It's a product launched on the UK market by Podsystem, a specialist in various kinds of vehicle and asset tracking by mobile phone and other means. Basically it consists of some clever software that sits hidden on your computer, where all but highly specialised thieves will miss it, even if they know quite a bit about computers. It works on both PCs and Apple Macs.

If the unit is stolen, Stealth Signal logs on to a control centre the first time it's connected to the Internet (wireless or wired, dial-up or broadband), or simply finds a phone connection, and reports its current IP address, which should be enough information to track it down. On some systems it can also report the dial-up phone number. It uses its own system to make contact, so the user doesn't hear or see anything at all.

To make it a more attractive proposition, Stealth Signal also offers some optional benefits even when the computer hasn't been stolen. Add-on modules allow users to monitor and manage their computer deployment, checking on installed software, unit configuration and the whereabouts in the organisation of each unit. There is also a facility to delete sensitive documents remotely after the computer has been stolen, or encrypt your data.

Some computer manufacturers are installing Stealth Signal as standard on selected models, including Fujitsu-Siemens on its connect2Air package. Alternatively you can buy it online. Prices start at £49 for the annual monitored service.