PlumChoice Launches SAFElink, Anti-Theft Service for Laptops

PlumChoice, in the delivery of remote technical services in the next-generation Service 2.0 model, announced  SAFElink Anti-Theft service that protects the data stored on a laptop or notebook against theft or breach in the event the computer becomes lost or stolen.

The software-based system resides on the machine and communicates with the PlumChoice SAFElink server platform. During configuration, and at any time, users can select specific files and folders to be protected by the SAFElink Anti-Theft service. The device is locked down when a loss/theft trigger is detected which prohibits unauthorized access to the user’s data. If the user fails to authenticate and unlock the device within a configurable period of time, the data is wiped from the machine to eliminate the risk of data theft. If a user reports a device as lost or stolen, PlumChoice can set a poison flag so that when the device connects to the server, the data is wiped.

Built upon the PlumChoice patented SAFElink platform, the new Anti-Theft Service is bundled with cloud-based data backup that allows users to securely retrieve their data in the event the user-selected data is wiped clean. PlumChoice also provides service provided by its IT certified technicians. This Anti-Theft service is the latest offer on the SAFElink platform that enables ISPs, wireless carriers, device manufacturers and other retail partners serving the SMB and consumer markets to deliver a service to improve customer satisfaction, retention and generate additional income.

With the recent explosion in mobile computing and lifestyles, the private data and confidential business information stored on laptop computers is valuable and vulnerable. According to the Ponemon Institute, just over 12,000 laptops are lost per week at U.S. airports alone. Another 600,000 are stolen each year, resulting in an estimated $5.4 billion loss in proprietary data, according to Safeware insurance agency. And, the FBI reports that 97 percent of stolen PCs are never recovered.

"For the SMB user, the data loss is much more devastating than the hardware loss," said Josh Goldlust, Vice President, Product Management for PlumChoice. "You can buy a new computer, but it’s virtually impossible to replace the data, not to mention the risk of identity theft that could result if the data contains personal identification information. The SAFElink Anti-Theft Service enables our partners to offer an unprecedented level of security and peace of mind to their customers for a simple monthly subscription fee."

The SAFElink Anti-Theft software is compatible with any Windows-based laptop to provide secure and customizable data protection. During the initial setup, users get the advantage of PlumChoice’s professional technical expertise and assistance to install and configure the anti-theft and network-based backup software.

As part of the Anti-Theft launch, PlumChoice is partnering with Intel to support Intel Anti-Theft Technology in second half of 2011. PlumChoice’s software solution will work in conjunction with Intel’s hardware-based, laptop lockdown capability to deliver a robust service solution.

"Intel has helped accelerate mobile computing adoption and continues to innovate in helping protect laptops as well as the sensitive data they carry," said Anand Pashupathy, General Manager, Anti-Theft PC Services with Intel. "We are excited to enable PlumChoice’s SAFElink service platform with Intel Anti-Theft Technology to deliver a robust hardware-based PC & data lockdown solution backed by their service and support."