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Ward Clapham VP Of Recovery Services At Absolute Software Interview
Last week we gave you some information on computer thefts and introduced you to LoJack for Laptops by Absolute Software. It is an anti theft software that gets installed on your computer, let’s you track your computer and start an investigation if it is ever stolen. We also told you that we would have an interview with Ward Clapham the Vice President of Recovery Services at Absolute Software. Today we have that interview for you. We went over his background, details about the software and investigations, and much more!
1.) Can you give us a little background on your previous work before joining Absolute Software?
Prior to joining Absolute Software, I was the superintendent in charge of the detachment in Richmond, Canada. I also served as Chief Officer for the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority Police Service (Transit Police) for two years. My many accomplishments include: Recipient of the Head of Public Service of Canada Award for Valuing and Supporting People—Leadership, Recipient of the Canadian Order of Merit of the Police Forces for Conspicuous Merit and Exceptional Service and the Recipient of the Queens Golden Jubilee Award for Community Policing.
2.) What does your job as the VP or recovery services entail?
I lead the Global Absolute Investigations and Recovery team that helps organizations of all sizes and consumers be reunited with their stolen devices. Me and my team have investigated and assisted police in recovering over 25,000 laptops in 93 countries.
3.) How many investigations have your personally worked on?
I have worked on countless investigations.
4.) Are there any specific investigations that you would like to tell us about?
There are many, but the most important ones revolve around crimes more serious than a stolen laptop such as murder, gangs, drugs and racketeering charges. Although we have a very good chance of recovering your stolen laptop, the investigation can also lead to the recovery of other stolen property and the person who violated you or your property. 1 out of 6, over 4000 to date, of our investigations result in criminal charges, including murder, robbery and identity theft and we have recovered over $29 million dollars in stolen devices, of which $3 million was collateral stolen property.5.) Do you think LoJack for Laptops by Absolute Software is a product that everyone should have installed on their computers?
Yes, we are a necessary layer of security every person should use to protect their computer and the important information it contains like family photos and financial information. And even though LoJack for Laptops is built for consumers, it’s the same Computrace technology we provide to businesses. We call it persistence technology because it’s virtually tamper-proof.
6.) Can LoJack protect me against having my identity stolen?
Yes. Once a customer requests assistance, our investigation can help identify the suspect as well as any information that may have been accessed post-theft. We can tell if a new operating system has been installed, if the hard drive has been removed, or if the owner’s files are still on the computer. And since we have excellent relationships with police agencies around the world, we support police in their criminal investigations to ensure the criminal is caught and charged. LoJack for Laptops also provides customers with the ability to remotely delete sensitive information from a computer regardless of user or location.
7.) What’s the real financial impact of having my laptop stolen besides the device itself?
I call it ‘ Your Connected Life” – and with this connected life comes a heavy price tag if it is lost or stolen. Think of what is on your laptop right now, now and think about how you would feel if it was suddenly gone, without the opportunity to remove the photos, banking information, personal correspondence, and other parts of your digital life that are stored on it.
8.) Do you have any advice for college students who have just purchased a new laptop?
Protect your laptop, your school work and your music! Universities and colleges will tell you that laptop theft is at the top of the list when it comes to security concerns on campus. Not only can we help to get it back, but we help identify the criminal element on the campus for law enforcement. Many young adults are inexperienced when it comes to safeguarding their valuables and are often too trusting when at college. We have many crime prevention and laptop protection tips for college students, but when you’re dealing with a worst case scenario, at least there is peace of mind in knowing you have a dedicated team of investigators working to recover your property.
9.) Why do you think many of the thefts occur at airports or the other common locations as mentioned in the 2011 Computer Theft Report?
We are a transient society, and with devices being so mobile and small, they can go anywhere with us. More people travel today than ever before and everyone likes to stay connected. When you consider so many people and so many devices in a stressful environment like an airport, it’s no surprise that so many devices are stolen. People are stuck in security or worried about missing a flight. All it takes is a single second of inattention or distraction and a thief can strike. Other thefts can occur simply due to carelessness on the part of the owner, such as leaving a laptop unattended to go to the washroom or for a coffee.
10.) Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?
Yes, we are the only company that provides Computrace persistence technology as well as an investigations and recovery team of former police officers. We provide over 1000 years of combined experience that is on your side, working just for you to get recover your laptop and your digital life.
For more laptop prevention tips visit the LoJack for Laptops Blog: http://blog.lojackforlaptops.com
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