A few weeks ago, one of our Creare studios was burgled – which has lead us to discover some fantastic security software for Macs that we didn’t know existed. Like James said, thieves broke into one of our offices and took a number of computers, mostly iMac desktop computers. Since the burglary, we have drastically overhauled all of our buildings’ security with CCTV, Security doors and also secured the computers that we leave in the building with Kensington locks.
With the frustration of loosing a few of our iMacs, we also searched the internet to see if there was any reputable software that can help track and retrieve stolen Macs, or even render them useless with some sort of ‘kill switch’. In doing this research, we came across some great software that not only did what we were looking for, but more. And because a lot of web design companies use Macs, we thought it would be something worth sharing in our web design video blog.
Undercover’s Mac Security Features
So, the software is called ‘Undercover’ and has been designed exclusively for MAC OSX by software developers Orbicule. Installing the hidden software on your Mac kicks in when your computer is stolen by doing the following:
- Accurately Locating your Mac
Undercover uses advanced technology developed by Skyhook Wireless. Wi-Fi positioning can pin-point your Mac’s exact location within 20 meters. - See What’s happening on your stolen Mac.
Undercover uses the Mac’s built-in iSight camera to secretly take pictures of the person using the computer at regular 8-minute intervals. These images reveal the identity of the burglar.
The Kill Switch!
These two main features of the Software alone are fantastic, and will dramatically increase the chances of you and the Police locating your stolen machine. Should you fail to recover your computer with these two tools, Undercover has one more Ace up it’s sleeve. Through your online Undercover Control Panel you can activate a reversible Hardware Failure on your computer, rendering the machine useless to the thief. In addition to the Hardware Failure simulation, you can also display a full screen message displaying loud and clear that the computer has been pinched.
Overall this a fanstic product that we have installed on all of the iMacs and Powerbooks that we use in and out of the Creare Studios. The software is pretty much impenetrable and can only be removed by the Mac’ administrator, so you will need to ensure your admin & Firmware passwords is something only YOU would know.
Undercover External Links
- Undercover Free Demo on Apple Downloads
- Undercover For Mac on Orbicule’s website
- Undercover Introduction on YouTube
Thanks for the call regarding this guy’s. I’ll make sure I spread the word.
Firstly, sorry to hear the unfortunate news about the burglary. Secondly, thank you for finding this awesome bit of software. I will also make sure I spread the word.
Thank you Nigel, Matt. Indeed the burglary was a huge inconvenience for us, but what’s more worrying is how the Police have said they are targeting design agencies in our area