GadgetTrak hunts down stolen gadgetry for free

Since it's unlikely that we're all sharp enough to install a traceable version of SETI@home on our laptop to track down its eventual thief, and considering that the software won't exactly run on DAPs and PMPs, the GadgetTheft recovery service is stepping up to the plate to protect your goods. While gadget theft has been an unfortunately growing annoyance worldwide, devices like your iPod or Archos 604 aren't exactly likely to be found once they're swiped, but the GadgetTrak software can be installed on any USB-connecting device in order to upload the larcenist's data back to you. Essentially, users who fall victim to a gadget theft can flag the system to start tracking down any applicable IP information, location, usernames, and ISP deets that are found when the crook plugs your gizmo into their PC. Most impressive, however, is that the basic forensic data services are absolutely free, but a "Pro" service that offers up "increased location accuracy, active connection analysis / reports, and firewall workarounds" should be available shortly for an undisclosed fee. So if you're interested in adding a little protection to your currently uninsured gadgetry, and don't mind paying the low, low price of nada, be sure to hit the read link for all the juicy details.

[Via Engadget Chinese]

[Rohit Kapur @ Feb 26th 2007 11:30AM]

I just tried their software... Added their security to my 3G iPod and then activated the tracking and plugged the device in my computer and let it stay connected for 5 minutes. I haven't received any email from them telling me the device has been located yet... Been over 5 minutes. Let's give it a bit more time. If something comes up, I'll let you guys know.

[Tavis Veighey @ Feb 26th 2007 11:39AM]

They say that firewall workarounds are a FUTURE feature. So if you have a firewall that will probably kill it right there.

If you are using the default Windows FireWall then they can easily bypass it, as the Windows FireWall allows programs to give themselves permition to access the interent. However I doubt that it will EVER bypass ZoneAlarm, as ZoneAlarm has NO Automated Firewall Bypass.

This is also assuming that every criminal is a moron! As this concept becomes more and more popular, then Crooks will start to dissable AutoRun on their computers (If they already have NOT done so because of the Sony CD DRM Rootkit) and that basically kills their tracking software!

[engadget @ Feb 26th 2007 11:35AM]

Is it just me or does this sound mildly dicey. Sure, you can install stuff in your device's root dir, but how would this stuff ever get out of there again? Unless (for example) the thing has some autoplay.exe that essentially is spyware.

Not quite sure if that's legit. (although obviously the stealing in itself wasn't legit either). Still, it would additionally mean you cant (safely?) plug in the device at a friends' place as well?

[James W @ Feb 26th 2007 11:48AM]

I don't see the fact this is technically spyware to be a problem. I wonder what happends if the thief has a firewall that allows you to grant (or not grant) internet access to programmes. Surely this will stop the program in its tracks. Also, if this service grows then I'm sure the awareness of the thieves will too

[nigel @ Feb 26th 2007 12:12PM]

if its free how do they make money?

[davydany @ Feb 26th 2007 12:15PM]

well most people are stupid. They'd think that the program that is trying to access is just a normal program and not a spyware...I like the idea. It is better than not having anything on my iPod. My friend was complaining to me last night bout loosing his iPod. The dude worked his ass off for his iPod and now its gone. If he had this, he MAY have a chance to getting it back.

[hehehhehe @ Feb 26th 2007 1:59PM]

So this will give you an approximate location, but anyone's who's tried IP geolocation knows that its accuracy is pretty poor. Even the site says 80% accuracy in 25 mile range.

What are you going to do, walk into a police station and have them scour apartment buildings or a block of houses where your little ipod might be according to this site? No way that's going to happen.

It seems pretty useless unless you can have the ISP tell you where the IP is connecting from but that won't happen without a lot of wrangling in cooperation w/ law enforcement. That probably won't happen either.

[Ken Westin @ Mar 7th 2007 5:38PM]

Having the IP address will track the user down...for example the SETI screensaver case recently featured in the media.

http://blogs.zdnet.com/Burnette/?p=267

[Jeffrey Herr @ May 18th 2007 5:29PM]

Not so free any more... 30-day free trial only...

[Ken Westin @ Oct 9th 2007 7:46AM]

Now provides cell phone, PDA and Mac anti-theft software.

[Rakhee Kar @ Apr 30th 2008 2:36AM]

I lost my 30 GB Ipod Black Serial No.1B643K52V9M. Kindly inform me with IP address immediately at the above email id incase anybody connects with the said ipod.