Main News Desk

Web 2.0 generation relaxed over identity theft

Research reveals identity theft is a greater concern for the older generation of laptop owners

March 18, 2010

Newbury, UK: March 18, 2010 – Just 14 per cent of 18-24 year old laptop owners rate identity theft as their number one laptop security risk, according to research from laptop security company Absolute® Software – the provider of Computrace® LoJack® for Laptops. This is despite the rise in attacks over social networking websites, which are predominantly used by young people[1].

The study, carried out in association with YouGov[2] , revealed that 27 per cent of British laptop owners regard identity theft as their most feared security issue overall. However, younger adults are considerably less worried about the threat, with viruses and data loss more of a concern to this age group (24 per cent and 20 per cent respectively). And this is despite identity theft rising by 32 per cent from 2008 to 2009[3].

Computrace LoJack for Laptops can be installed on computers and once reported stolen can locate the device and remotely delete the data on it. Absolute Software then works with local police to recover and return the laptop to the owner.

[1] Sophos, ‘Security threat report: 2010’, February, 2010

[2] All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2049 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 4th - 7th December 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

[3] CIFAS ‘2009 Fraud Trends’, February 2010

Executive quote

Dave Everitt, general manager, at Absolute Software commented: “The fact that 18-24 year olds have different attitudes towards security and are much more open about putting their personal details online, heightens their vulnerability to theft. The alarming rise in attacks via social media alone should strike a chord with the younger generation who are using these sites on a daily basis. Similarly, if their laptop gets stolen the information stored on it is an easy means for thieves to steal your identity – it’s just as bad as having your wallet stolen.”

“Despite the increased risks for 18-24 year olds, all age groups need to be aware of the laptop security measures available to them. Locking laptops in a secure location, backing up data and installing software that enables stolen laptops to be tracked and recovered and personal files to be remotely deleted, will help prevent opportunistic thieves from accessing confidential information,” concluded Everitt.

About the company

About Absolute Software
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 and Absolute 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

Public Relations:

Lisa Gillingham / Ellen Spenceley
absolutesoftwareuk@lewispr.com

Leslie Campisi, Affect Strategies
leslie@affectstrategies.com or 212.398.9680 x144

Investor Relations:
Dave Mason, CFA, The Equicom Group
dmason@equicomgroup.com or 416.815.0700 x237

Technorati tags:

Bookmarklets:

Recent Press Releases

2010 Archive

2009 Archive

2008 Archive

2007 Archive

Jump to:

Main News Desk

Web 2.0 generation relaxed over identity theft

Executive quote

About the company

Contact details