about computer theft..

[cjc_75]

I was reading a post below from Rabbi_NZ ( I'm sorry that happened to you btw) about a stolen computer, and I got thinking. Just some thoughts...

It might be a nice buisiness to start up... Would it be possible to have a "phone home" piece of hardware installed on your computer? It could report ( IP address etc) into some central server/database that a PC owner could suscribe to.

I think Joe-blow-thief would probably pawn it of to someone, who might just hook it up to the internet and the computer starts screaming bloody murder :p:

I see a few assumptions here, a post theft internet connection being the main one, but I think it might save a few PC's in the long run.

[[XC] leviathan18]

ip changes from one line to another so how are you going to do to keep the same ip adress?

[3rd-Dimension]

wouldnt keep same ip. he said would report the ip. That would allow u to trace the computers current isp which then you could tell them the ip and they could tell you the persons account associated with that ip.

[masterofpuppets]

There was an application that sent the user an email everytime the computer was booted up an email would be sent to the user along with IP address, country and detailed ISP info. Wonder what happened to it...

[Quanticles]

There's actually a program like this already.


Every time you boot your computer and have an Internet connection, PC PhoneHome™ sends a stealth e-mail message containing its exact location to a pre-determined e-mail address set by the user. In the event the computer is stolen, you file a theft report with the local police and then notify Brigadoon Software’s Command and Tracking Center, which will provide full tracking and recovery support. When the stolen computer goes online, it will send a stealth message to the pre-determined e-mail address containing its exact location. Once this information is received, our recovery agents work with you and the investigating law enforcement agency to recover the stolen property. Worldwide tracking and recovery. Highly tamper-proof. Easy to install. Can’t be removed by unauthorized parties.
http://www.pcphonehome.com/index.php

I cant remember where it's installed, but it's actually really hard to remove (at least on macintosh). Of course, put a new HD and and reset cmos.... and there's nothing you can do. But this should work most of the time. =)

[=[PULSAR]=]

What about a GPS location device, I know a couple that work within feet of its actual location. Find our exactly where it is and go beat that person A$$.

[Jester FPS]

^ yes, a GPS signal would be better. for that pcphonehome thing to work, the pc has to be plugged into the internet right? I was looking for something like this over at EOCF

http://forums.extremeoverclocking.com/showthread.php?t=172390

[WeStSiDePLaYa]

i think it might be more reasonable to invest in some home security instead for a desktop pc. but for a lappie these good ideas.

[Jester FPS]

what if we still live with our parents?

[=[PULSAR]=]

Hopefully I'm moving into my own place soon. Thinking about putting all my computer gear in the walk in closet uses 3 dead bolts to lock it, drill a hole thru the wall to run the necessary cables thru the other side to a desk.

[Jester FPS]

=']Hopefully I'm moving into my own place soon. Thinking about putting all my computer gear in the walk in closet uses 3 dead bolts to lock it, drill a hole thru the wall to run the necessary cables thru the other side to a desk.

3 DEAD BOLTS! What kind of computer you packing?

[CrazyXP1700]

see the thing with the GPS unit and anything else is... anyone who knows abit about computers will see it and wonder... and if they know it's not vital to the computer... get rid of it... so i dunno... i think there is no failsafe way to find a computer once it's been stolen... especially if it's parted out...

[Jester FPS]

yes, they may take it out, but what's to stop it from transmitting that last gps signal that pinpoints your computer to it's last location? unless they rip it out in a dark alley somewhere, then it's useless, but I doubt your average criminal would be smart enough to do this.

[trance565]

see the thing with the GPS unit and anything else is... anyone who knows abit about computers will see it and wonder... and if they know it's not vital to the computer... get rid of it... so i dunno... i think there is no failsafe way to find a computer once it's been stolen... especially if it's parted out...

actually, nowadays things are so small, you could buy a little gps beacon, and put it on the side of ur hdd rack taht the is on the side of the case that noone removes the panel of, which would make for easy hiding, or you could put it behind the front bezel, or on the bottom side of a fan, or top of the case, just about anywhere, wehre noone would normally look for these things :)

just gotta be creative with ur home security, thats all, no crook likes a creative bastard taht thinks about hwo to kill ppl, i guarantee it :)

[=[PULSAR]=]

3 DEAD BOLTS! What kind of computer you packing?

Lets just say between 6-7G which Im gonna D2OL with it all and it will be on a military base and I just really dont trust people especially while not being around at all on a deployment for long periods at a time. Ohhh god why did I ever enlist lol.

@ Trance did you ever hear about that guy that booby trapped his house and ended up setting one off that shot himself in the stomach and died, not something I'm willing to risk :)

[Disposibleteen]

you live on a military base and cant trust people there??? If you run all of your hardware in a closet you better air condition that thing hardcore.

[=[PULSAR]=]

you live on a military base and cant trust people there??? If you run all of your hardware in a closet you better air condition that thing hardcore.

Not yet I leaving for basic in August and from the many friends I have in the army yea you really cant trust people there is alot of theft and vandalism. Far as the cooling went I was thinking when I finally get all this money and get stationed to put a good bathroom exhaust fixture in the ceiling. I know Im planning way too far into the future but hey a man can dream right...lol. Now when people ask where their tax dollars go, you can say to people like me who buy computers...hahaha :)

[Disposibleteen]

well thats alright, im fine putting my taxes towards that, at least in the military you earn it. Regarding the bathroom exhaust fan, you might want to get a bigger than normal one for that kind of heatload, 6-7g worth of hardware will put out alot of heat.

[[XC] leviathan18]

just plug 1kg of c4 to your pc if the bastard tries to rob it when he moves the pc the c4 triggers and blows everything....

[Disposibleteen]

this would be self inflicted damage and this would not be covered by insurance, what a waste.

[[XC] leviathan18]

i dont care but the robber wont rob again xD

[trance565]

@pulsar, who the hell mentioned nething about guns? i said gps beacon, putting it somwhere in ur computer where most ppl wouldnt look, if u shoot urself with a gps beacon, i feel sorry for ur family

ps. if i flamed, sry :)

[=[PULSAR]=]

just gotta be creative with ur home security, thats all, no crook likes a creative bastard taht thinks about hwo to kill ppl, i guarantee it :)

I guess I misunderstood I took this as users should start to booby trap their homes.

BEEP BEEP BEEP: NO FLAMING DETECTED :p:

[trance565]

lol good, ya ive never been robbed, but if i lived on my own, i would make sure to keep everything locked, as i do now, but my parents take care of most of it, but ya, no hidden shot guns in my hizouse!