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British homes hotspot for laptop theft

research reveals thefts from GB homes are higher than in France, Germany and North America

February 15, 2010

A third of all British laptop thefts happen at home, according to research from laptop security company, Absolute Software – a significantly higher number than in other countries.

The online study, carried out in association with YouGov, has revealed that there is a considerably higher percentage of laptops stolen from GB homes (32 per cent of most recent laptop thefts), compared with France (22 per cent), the US (18 per cent), Germany, (17 per cent), and Canada, (17 per cent).

In Britain, thefts from cars accounted for 24 per cent, with public transport coming in third place at 8 per cent. Coffee shops and airports, locations often associated with laptop use, accounted for a comparatively low percentage – just 2 per cent each.

Executive quote

Dave Everitt, General Manager, at Absolute Software commented: “This research will surprise some laptop owners, who often only think about security issues when they are on the move. However, with nearly a third of all laptop thefts in Britain occurring at a residential property, owners need to be extra cautious when leaving devices home alone.”

“There is a range of security measures that laptop owners can take, from simply locking their laptop in a secure location to installing software that enables personal files to be remotely deleted, tracked and even recovered. With the amount of sensitive information now being stored on laptops and subsequent identity theft, personal security can not be compromised,” concluded Everitt.

About the company

Absolute Software Corporation (TSX: ABT) is the leader in tracking, managing and protecting computers and mobile devices. The Company's Computrace, Absolute Manage and LoJack® for Laptops solutions provide theft recovery, data protection and computer lifecycle management capabilities to organizations and consumers. The Company's software agent is embedded in the firmware of computers by global leaders, including Acer, ASUS, Dell, Fujitsu, General Dynamics Itronix, HP, Lenovo, Motion, Panasonic and Toshiba, and the Company has reselling partnerships with these OEMs and others, including Apple. For more information about Absolute Software, visit www.absolute.com and http://blog.absolute.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the expected performance, functionality and availability of our services and products, and other expectations, intentions and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact. When used in this press release, the words "plan," "expect," "believe," and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in technology and general market conditions. In light of the many risks and uncertainties you should understand that we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will be realized.

©2010 Absolute Software Corporation. All rights reserved. Computrace, Absolute and Secure Asset Tracking are registered trademarks of Absolute Software Corporation. LoJack is a registered trademark of LoJack Corporation, used under license by Absolute Software Corporation. LoJack Corporation is not responsible for any content herein. Computrace U.S. patents No. 5,715,174, No. 5,764,892, No. 5,802,280, No. 5,896,497, No. 6,244,758, No. 6,269,392, No. 6,300,863, and No. 6,507,914. Canadian patents No. 2,284,806 and No. 2,205,370. U.K. patents No. EP793823 and No. GB2338101. German patent No. 695 125 34.6-08. Australian patent No. 699045. Japanese patent No. JP4067035. The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved of the information contained in this news release.

Contact details

Ellen Spenceley or Lisa Gillingham at LEWIS PR

Tel: +44 (0) 117 315 8584
Email: absolutesoftwareuk@lewispr.com Web: www.lewispr.com

Supporting materials

[1] All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 6,200 adults. All Fieldwork was undertaken between 4th - 11th December 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB, French, German, US and Canadian adults (aged 18+).

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