Thinking about getting LoJack. Is it worth it?

Thinking about getting the laptop recovery software LoJack. Ive already researched a bit into it and am familiar with the process of how it works. I also found out that my AW's mobo comes with the whole Computrace in BIOS which is associated with LoJack so even if someone manages to get a hold of my laptop and wipes the HDD clean, it would still work undected.

Now too good to be true right? It seems, but there is one thing thats bugging me that I cant seem to get the answer for. So we've established that formatting the HDD wouldnt make LoJack useless. Well, as I mentioned there is a computrace option in the BIOS which you can change. What if my laptop gets lost/stolen and the person who picks it up not only wipes the HDD, but ALSO goes into BIOS and disables computrace...? then im screwed right there goes my laptop.

Any LoJack subscribers in here?

 

Once you enable Computrace, it can not be disabled.
Now for 'is it worth it' part, that's up to you after you document yourself about it.

 

Good to know that it cannot be disabled. Disabling it in BIOS wouldve been way too easy.

I forgot to mention that prior to knowing what Computrace was, i disabled it and theres currently no way for me to reenable it..its greyed out. I wanted to get maximum network performance and I though it was just one of those things that use up bandwidth every now and then...I hope i did not just screw myself out of being able to use it once purchased...

EDIT: I just realized....even if it is ENABLED it will still be in the BIOS. So in other words, someone could steal my laptop, go into the BIOS and check if Computrace is enabled. If it is, they wont log online, if not they'll just disable it.

ummm.....if thats the case then i dunno about this product anymore.

 

There is a way to get around every security system, so while the average thief wont know how or what to do to clear it out, some people may know.

If you think your laptop will get stolen, then it may end up worth it... think of it as insurance.

I personally wont bring my laptop any place I think someone might take it.

 

Perhaps, so you should custom write a BIOS update that, when CompuTrace has been enabled, hides it.

But then the thief is going to scan your BIOS, and find your code, then re-flash it so that he has the ability to see that it's there, and then not log on.

So you'll have to custom design a chip that, when it does not detect an RFID tag you implant into your own hand, enables a secondary BIOS that shows CompuTrace as being disabled.

But then the thief is going to notice the change in weight in the system, and find the new chip, and he'll wire in a third BIOS chip that---

Seriously now, you can only do so much before it's counterproductive to the thinking process. In almost all cases, a BIOS-level system will go unnoticed. Use an administrator password to lock your BIOS if you're worried about people looking at it. Add a small note to the bezel of your display that says "This system protected by Zeus" if you don't think that is enough.

Good luck, either way, mate!

 

I'm leaning towards saying no. I'd rather just get insurance. My reasoning for this is because it may be hard to actually recover the object. I can certainly imagine that the police might not act as your personal service, plus the object would be held as evidence.

The only thing it truly helps you to know is the location of your laptop, and that's about it.

This is all theoretical, but unless Computrace have their own bailiffs, I don't think it's worth it.

 

This is my first post and I just have to say how hilarious that is XD. Zeus does protect my laptop by the way. I created a power system that fries the computer if it is not plugged into my customized power strip that sends a slightly encrypted power fluctuation.
Anyways, to be serious I think that 40 dollars is reasonable for two years of lojack. Not too many people that computer savy out stealing laptops considering your typical thief is computer illiterate.

 

There's no need to be so paranoid about security. I'd agree with ejohnson. Just take care of your belongings. That's the most top-notch security that money can't buy!

 

Just be safe with tour things. But if the unexpected happens like a home burglary make sure u have homeowners insurance.

When I got broken into last year thief stole my laptop among other things. I was un able to recover anything but insurance was able to reimburse for some of the loss.