BackStop service deletes sensitive files on lost or stolen laptops, computers and GSM devices

By Janine de Blois

Data protection is a major concern in a world that is becoming increasingly mobile and sophisticated. Encryption is not enough to protect sensitive data which may fall into the hands of criminals.

UK company, Virtuity, is now offering a hosted service using GSM, internet, and Radio-frequency identification (RFID) to erase sensitive files from both mobile and desktop computers-before they can be accessed. The service erases the data to standards indicated in US Department of Defence’s National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual. The secure deletion of files is set to occur as soon as a machine is turned on.

There are three ways in which the data deletion process can be enabled. Through GSM or internet-both require a report be made that the machine has been stolen for the deletion process to start. To work on GSM outside of the UK international roaming must be enabled. If there is a built in webcam, Backstop will also take a picture, which Coupled with GSM triangulation and positioning can help law enforcement. For computers with an RFID chip, the process will begin automatically if the machine is taken out of range of the organizations valid RFID reader.