Mac Theft Recovery Software Tracks Thieves 82
Dubpal writes "Apple Macintosh users can now fit their machines with theft protection software that reports back on what a thief is doing with their computer, should it ever be stolen. The software, named "Undercover" allows users to report their Macs as stolen, causing the software to report back with IPs, screenshots and even a picture of the thief and his surroundings. In addition to this, Undercover begins faking hardware faults, displaying messages and even reading them aloud, alerting anyone around that the Mac's been stolen."
A picture of the theif? (Score:5, Insightful)
I have issues with this, in that if the webcam is hardwired to the machine, and can be accessed remotely without the users knowledge - what stops a hacker spying on you for less legitimate reasons?
Like the schokwave debacle? I would have preferred Apple to have included a physical shutter to close the webcam when not in use rather than chance the unsightly aspects of my private life being shown to the masses. It's a little too orwellian for me.
Re:Utter Bullshit. (Score:5, Insightful)
Not foolproof! (Score:2, Insightful)
Re:Utter Bullshit. (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Utter Bullshit. (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:A picture of the theif? (Score:5, Insightful)
Don't let any shady characters in trenchcoats install apps on your Mac?
The camera does have an indicator light for when it's on..
All the people grousing about how useless this is (Score:5, Insightful)
This is really a bit convoluted as an anti-theft measure, although it does look interesting. By far the best way to avoid having your laptop stolen is not to leave it unattended, not to use it anywhere you wouldn't wave $1000 in cash above your head and not to keep it in anything that resembles a laptop bag - use a ratty old satchel or a diaper bag. Muggers are just about the bottom of the criminal food chain, it doesn't take a lot to outsmart them. Just like net security, you just need to be a slightly more difficult target than the next guy and that next guy is talking on his cellphone while walking through a car park at 11pm with a swanky leather 'dell' bag on his shoulder.