Computrace (New Mandatory Software for Laptops)
The Cost of the Loss
According to recent statistics from Safeware Insurance, last year more than 600,000 laptops were stolen nation wide. The resulting hardware replacement cost to business was an estimated $720 million. That figure pails in comparison to the $5.4 billion (That’s BILLION) in theft of proprietary information. According to the FBI, 97% of stolen computers are never recovered.
It is vital that we secure and protect our laptops, and the data stored on them, from theft. The Division of Information Systems (DIS) working under direction of the Information Systems Strategic Planning Committee (ISSPC) has investigated several options. We have selected a software product called Computrace to aid in mitigation of the risks associated with Laptop theft.
Our Plan
Computrace will provide a means to locate a computer should it become stolen. Because of the portability of laptops, and the potential for loss of sensitive or patient information, the ISSPC has determined that ALL UMMC laptops and any personally owned laptops connecting to the UMMC Network will have Computrace installed.
For now, DIS is concentrating on installing Computrace on UMMC tagged laptops. We will address personal laptops in the near future.
Computrace costs $90 for a 4 year license. If your UMMC tagged Dell laptop was purchased after January 1, 2007 through the UMMC Purchasing Department, a Computrace license was included in the purchase cost. However, the software will still need to be activated by DIS personnel.
How Do I Get It?
The first step in getting Computrace installed is to complete the new paperless DIS Information Resource Request System (IRRS). This can be accessed at http://paws.umc.edu/SWRS/UserMenu.ctrl?action=Display . Please check only the box for Computrace and include all information in the comments box.
All of the following information is REQUIRED for all Computrace requests:
• Names and phone numbers of TWO contact people
• Room number where the laptop is located
• Service Tag number or Serial Number (if there is no Service Tag number)
• UMC number (property control tag)
• Departmental charge code
Any of the above information that is missing on your request will significantly delay processing.
Once completed, the request will automatically be sent to your department’s approving authority (the person you list as your manager/designee). After departmental approval, it will automatically be sent to DIS where a HelpDesk Request will be issued. The Office of Software Compliance will verify the license and charge back the cost of the software, if applicable. A DIS representative will contact you to schedule the installation of the software. The laptop owner must be present for the installation. This process can take 5-10 business days.
Who Gets It?
Again, we are only installing Computrace on UMMC tagged laptops at this time. Personal laptops will be addressed soon. Compliance is mandatory. Complete the IRRS http://paws.umc.edu/SWRS/UserMenu.ctrl?action=Display right away so that we may schedule installation of the software that will protect our laptops and data.
If you have any questions about Computrace or the IRRS request system please contact Tobby Taylor at 4-6395 or by email at TTaylor@dis.umsmed.edu.