UK firm Virtuity has developed technology to remotely destroy
data on lost or stolen mobile phones.
BackStopp Mobile uses the mobile's communications to track it
down. Once the device has been traced, BackStopp deletes
information.
As soon as the data is wiped out, BackStopp creates a report
detailing what was erased, when, and can even pinpoint the location
of the device.
The company's website claims the report can
include a photograph of the
thief.
BackStopp locates the device using GSM and WiFi
communications.
The initial BackStopp Mobile release supports all devices
running on the
Windows Mobile operating system. This includes devices where a
business application is in use.
Development work for devices running
Nokia's Symbian operating system (OS) has started. Symbian is
the most widely used OS.
Virtuity already sells similar technology for laptop PCs.
Virtuity recently announced a significant upgrade to its core
laptop location tracking and data protection application. This
includes encryption integration, wireless and RFID integration, HR
system integration and OS destruction.
Police forces using the
Airwave mobile communications system have a similar remote data
destruction system for lost or stolen mobile devices.