Currently, users store their most valuable data on electronic devices such as PCs, notebooks and cell phones or tablets. Nothing is more valuable than our documents, contacts, photographs, emails, access to social networks and even, why not, bank details.
Losing or having your device stolen could have devastating effects, and if that data falls into the hands of an unscrupulous person, the consequences can be even worse.
How anti-theft software works
Anti-theft software are intelligent online systems that we can use in the event of loss or theft, which can inform us of the geographical location of the same and even in the event that it has been stolen, who was the criminal.
It should be noted that in order to use it, it is necessary to register as a user using an email and password as well as having an internet connection on the device.
Therefore, in the case of loss or theft of the device, what must be done is log in online; each software will provide you with an access website URL; and make the corresponding "report", in short notifying the software about its loss.
Functionalities of anti-theft software
Automatic Functionalities
Automatic functionalities can be triggered once the software is told that the device was stolen or lost.
- Determines geographical position via GPS or through Wi-Fi through triangulation. The latter is not as precise as the first.
- Informs another number previously declared, the geolocation of the device or attempts to change the SIM.
- Blocks the device to prevent information from being stolen.
Manual functionalities from the web
Manual functionalities can be executed by the owner of the device once he or she has entered the online system.
- Directly delete files and data accessed by others. software.
- Possibility of issuing a panic alarm (siren) to persuade the thief.
- Record voice conversations, among others.
Comparison table of software and its characteristics
Functionalities of anti-theft software
| Anti-theft software | Photo Front | Geolocation | Panic Alarm | Info Lock | Info Copy | SIM Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avast Anti theft | If | If | If | If | If | If |
| Prey Project | Si | Si | Si | Si | Si | Si |
| Lookout | Si | Si | Si | Si | Si | Si |
| Norton Antitheft | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Kapersky Internet Security | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Google Administration | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Anti-theft software platforms
| Software anti-theft | Free | Windows | Android | Iphone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avast Anti theft | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Prey Project | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lookout | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Norton Antitheft | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Kapersky Internet Security | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Google Administration | Yes | No | Yes | No |
What else should I do in case of theft?
- Have proof of purchase on hand and write down serial numbers; at the time of purchase; It can be very helpful.
- First of all, report the theft to the police. You will surely need what is described in the previous point.
- In the case of mobile devices, also report theft to the lending company, this way they will prevent them from using the credit in calls or messages. The Company will take your report with your chip number, you will obtain what is called IMEI; a unique identification number for each device; and the equipment will be placed on a negative band for that company. The only thing that is guaranteed with this is that they will not be able to consume the credit, then there are people who are in charge of releasing it and they will be able to use the equipment without problems, but at least we will not receive a full consumption bill.
- If you find your device through anti-theft software, go to the police with the evidence. Don't try to search for it alone, you don't know who you might find.
- Very important, make backup copies of your data.
- And please don't forget to strengthen your global access passwords and vital software. There is a tutorial we wrote a few months ago about it. See tutorial on secure passwords.
Negatives, the dark side
Not all that glitters is gold, anti-theft software helps, but it is not infallible, everything will depend on the knowledge possessed by the person who stole our equipment. There will be no solution, for example, if:
On a PC or notebook
- They format the computer's hard drive before accessing or connecting to the Internet.
- They dismantle the equipment, install the hard drive on another PC as a secondary one, and they will still be able to obtain certain types of information.
On cell phones or tablets
- If they remove the battery from the device as soon as it has been stolen, there will be no one to save you for more anti-theft software. that you have. Surely the next step will be to reset the EEPROM, which means that they can restore the factory settings of the device without having to turn it on.
- If you do not use a pattern lock password, and the thief can deactivate 3G, WIFI and GPS without problems, you will have lost all possibility.
Updated on: 09/05/2016 00:00:00
Disclaimer: The information presented does not constitute financial, investment, commercial or other advice and is solely the opinion of the writer. By using the information on this site, you agree that we are not responsible for losses, damages or injuries arising from the use or interpretation of the information.
