The CyberAngel® with Wi-Trac provides the ability for Stolen Computer Recovery for all computers actively protected by The CyberAngel®. When Authentication is violated, we are able to identify the location of that computer when it sends a covert alert to our Security Monitoring Center. We then provide that location information to the local authorities, working closely with them to ensure acquisition of a search warrant and follow through to recovery and the return of that computer to its rightful owner.
In the event of a stolen computer, it is the responsibility of the client / user to report the computer to our Security Monitoring Center as stolen as soon as possible. Simply call 1-800 501-4344 to report your computer as lost or stolen. In order to fully liaise with Law Enforcement on your behalf, you will need to have reported the theft to the proper authorities, and provide us with a case / incident number from the law enforcement agencies.
Notification of Unauthorized Use
When The CyberAngel® Authentication is violated; The CyberAngel® with Wi-Trac will attempt a TCP/IP network connection from a Cable Modem, DSL, Wi-Fi, LAN or WAN connection. The speaker to the modem (if installed) is silenced, and if no network connection is present, and dial tone is detected, the program will communicate with our alarm servers. Once a telephone and / or network connection is found, the program covertly communicates with our alarm monitoring servers. The unique User Identification Number (UIN) is transmitted as well as the phone number or IP address from which the computer has communicated. The notification servers then contact the client via the notification method designated by the user during registration; either e-mail or fax, of that unauthorized usage. In a Corporate Licensee application, the unauthorized usage notification could be sent to a Systems Administrator or other designated individual instead of or in addition to the individual registered user.
Reporting a Stolen Computer
When a client notices that their computer is missing, it is their responsibility to report the theft to the local authorities and then to The CyberAngel® Security Monitoring Center. Once a client / registered user reports a protected computer stolen, The CyberAngel® Recovery Team will tag the registered user account as stolen. The CyberAngel® Recovery Team will then gather more detailed information about the theft, date, time, and computer type, as well as the police report number and law enforcement contacts. Emergency notification and contact information is also gathered so as to promptly notify the client upon unauthorized use. The CyberAngel® Recovery Team will contact the law enforcement officials, making them aware of The CyberAngel® presence on that computer and preparing them to act once we have received contact
When an alarm event is generated from that protected computer, the alarm server will automatically generate an unauthorized usage report to the emergency notification preference determined when the registered user reported the computer stolen. An alert to the Support Operations Center is also automatically generated that notifies Support Center staff that a tagged stolen computer has communicated its location.
Stolen Computer Incident Reports
The CyberAngel® Incident Report has been developed utilizing several local and federal enforcement agency requirements to assist in the investigative process of a theft. The Incident Report details the registered user, the date and time of the unauthorized access, the phone number, IP address, or Wi-Fi coordinate location from which the stolen computer has communicated with the alarm server. The telephony services that are utilized provide the ability to obtain an Automatic Number Identification (ANI) that is a verifiable and accurate resource for identifying the phone number from which the stolen computer has called. Utilizing several search utilities, the location address and a map are provided to assist in the location of the stolen computer. The CyberAngel® Incident Report has proven to be 100% successful in obtaining a search warrant or subpoena from the local court system to begin the hardware recovery process.
Local Law Enforcement Coordination
When a computer is reported stolen to The CyberAngel® Security Monitoring Center, the Recovery Team then contacts the local law enforcement agency, referencing the police report number for that case, and provides them with information about The CyberAngel® Security Software and how our recovery process works. Nearly 80% of all alarm events from stolen computers happen after normal business hours, so education and coordination of local law enforcement in advance helps the recovery process go smoothly and increases the opportunity for recovery.
When an alert from that stolen computer is reported, we provide the local law enforcement agency with The CyberAngel® Incident Report, an Affidavit of Certified Use, detailing the parameters of the product technology, and the specific information as it relates to that client. The CyberAngel® Recovery Team works with the local authorities and designated representatives of the client to provide any additional information required to help effect recovery of that stolen computer.
Location Identification
The process used to identify the location from which a stolen computer has called utilizes several different databases, both public and proprietary. These include databases found on the Internet as well as subscribed services. All lookups utilize at least six databases to provide the most accurate information possible. However, the addresses listed for the verified phone numbers are provided by third party resources and are in no way affiliated with CyberAngel® Security Solutions, Inc. (CSS, Inc.). While these databases are updated frequently, the accuracy cannot be guaranteed by CSS, Inc. Therefore, local authorities should be consulted to utilize the telephone number provided to ensure that the location and address are current and accurate. Local authorities have access to proprietary databases licensed to government and municipal agencies to provide accurate identification information.
The CyberAngel® Security Monitoring Center is equipped with ANI (Automatic Number Identification) technology, similar to that of e-911 centers. This allows us to receive the identification of the phone number that the stolen computer is calling from, regardless of Caller ID Block, or any other feature utilized by consumers to hide that number.
In the instance that the unauthorized access was transmitted via a TCP/IP connection to the Internet, resources are utilized to identify the domain name and registering company or individual of that domain name. The IP address transmitted to the alarm server is the provider of connectivity to the Internet for that stolen computer. That company, ISP, or individual can provide records of connectivity to further identify the location of the alarm event transmission of the stolen computer. A subpoena is often required to secure the release of that user information from an ISP such as Comcast, AOL, Road Runner, etc. Our Recovery Team has established contacts with ISP’s across the nation, and often helps facilitate the subpoena process with law enforcement and these ISP’s.
Local Authorities and Jurisdiction
The covert communication event from that stolen or missing computer is deemed "probable cause" in the eyes of the court system. In some jurisdictions, the time limit for applying for a search warrant or subpoena from time of "probable cause" is as little as 48 hours from time of incident, and can vary up to several weeks. The CyberAngel® Recovery Team works closely with the law enforcement officials to ensure action within the specified time limitations within that jurisdiction. We provide all of the needed information to designate probable cause, and allow the courts to subpoena the phone company records, if necessary. The stolen computer, when recovered, may be considered evidence until such time as the authorities deem necessary, and will only be returned upon their discretion. In the event the stolen computer is reporting from an address outside the jurisdiction of the local authorities that the stolen computer was reported to, every effort is made to coordinate information and activities between the agencies.
The information and address provided is intended to be used, along with all other information available concerning the referenced stolen computer, as a basis for investigating details of alarms generated by The CyberAngel® software. It should be utilized only through due process of law and in coordination with the proper authorities. Provision of this information does not imply that the individual or company named in the lookup is necessarily guilty of any misconduct or criminal intent in connection with the referenced computer.