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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2008
5 Simple Tips to Safeguard your Back-to-School Gadgets
“Sending Your Kids – and their Technology – Back to School”
“Back-to-School quite often means Back-to-Theft”
(Fort Worth, Texas) –Parents all across the country are starting to feel it, even though it’s still a hundred degrees outside and their teenagers are still sleeping until early afternoon. The hints of Back-to-School preparations are becoming more urgent with each passing day. Immunizations, new fall outfits, and dorm room decorations are all standard fare. But this generation’s students also gear up for back-to-school by loading up on expensive technology, from iPods, laptops, and digital cameras, to Wiis, and web-ready cell phones. All of which are “critical educational components” for 21st-century students.
Even with a sputtering economy, it is estimated that over $8 billion dollars will be spent on technology for this year’s crop of students. Unfortunately, most students are unaware that high school and college campuses – and dorm rooms are some of the most fertile hunting grounds for technology thieves. Allstate Insurance Company Property Claim Specialists have identified the top five things most commonly stolen from high school and college students:
· Band instruments
· Laptops and PDA's
· Sports equipment, including golf clubs stolen
from student vehicles
· MP3 players and accessories
· Digital cameras
These items are high-cost, easy-to-grab items that are hard to recover.
"Students have a false sense of security on campus," says John Livingston, chief executive officer of Absolute Software. "Many students are bringing thousands of dollars of electronic equipment into their dorm rooms with little to no security precautions. It's just open season for criminals."
And it gets worse.
The current economic tide will likely fuel an upsurge in theft of those
technology gadgets. "Property crime is strongly related to the economy,"
says Simon Hakim, an Economics professor at Temple University. In
response to a recent large increase in campus thefts, University of
Pennsylvania Vice President for Public Safety Maureen Rush said that, “a
bad economy can increase rates of theft.”
It's not just the basic equipment costs that should concern students.
These gadgets are loaded with school work, software, thousands of
downloaded songs and personal data. No parent wants to hear that phone
call, “Mom, Dad, my laptop was stolen and my English paper is due
tomorrow…and it was on the laptop. What should I do? And, by the way,
all my financial aid stuff was on it too.” These losses can
definitely impact academic performance or put a student at risk for
identity theft.
So, what are 21-century students and their parents supposed to do to protect themselves?
“Safeguarding your technology assets should be viewed as a multi-tiered effort,” states David Marshall, president of Etch-a-Tech, a technology Laser Security Marking firm. “Protecting your “stuff” is part common sense, part hardware, part software and part insurance.” Etch-a-Tech offers these 5 simple tips to safeguard your Back-to-School gadgets:
1. First and foremost - security experts always recommend common sense as the first line of protection, by permanently marking your valuable hardware with your name or brand. Even the makers of LoJack, a software tracking solution, pronounce in their Best Practices doctrine, “Engrave your name and phone number into the laptop. Thieves usually steal laptops to immediately sell them for whatever profit they can get. If your name and number are emblazoned on it, the laptop will be less desirable to steal.” (- Laptop Theft Deterrent Best Practices, Absolute.com) This “common sense” sentiment is also echoed by the likes of Dell Computers, IBM, Yahoo and the publishers of Laptops for Dummies.
Etch-a-Tech stresses that brandings and anti-theft notices with return information be engraved permanently and prominently. The result is an indisputable ownership marking. Stickers, labels, paint and indelible ink can all be easily removed by thieves. Laser Security Marking essentially reduces the stolen equipment’s resale value to zero. It’s less likely to be stolen if it can’t be sold or used openly. Etch-a-Tech also suggests that parents make it a win-win situation for the students by letting them mark their technology with one-of-a-kind, cool, custom artwork that will make it truly theirs.
2. If your equipment isn’t with you, lock it up or lock it down. Locking mechanisms act as a deterrent to someone who sees an unattended computer but are somewhat less effective against a dedicated thief with heavy-duty cutters. And, of course, lock that dorm room or car door, even if you are just running down the hall for a second. A second is all that a thief needs. Avoid leaving unsecured, unmarked items unattended. Instruments in the music hall and PDAs in the school library can disappear just as fast as an iPod from the dorm room.
3. For laptops and desktops, consider software tracking solutions such as LoJack and Computrace. For an annual service fee, stolen computers can be tracked down via the internet. Though, more of recovery solution than deterring the theft at the source, advanced versions of the software allows you to remotely delete stolen data from the hard drives.
4. Use complex passwords, leverage anti-virus software, encryption solutions, anti-spyware and firewalls. Prevent unauthorized access and spyware from invading your computer and protect valuable information with data encryption software. Keep this software up-to-date. Back up valuable data (like that English paper that is due tomorrow) regularly. Of course, remember that passwords and encryption don’t deter theft for musical instruments or Wiis or digital cameras, cell phones, etc.
5. Finally, whether your student is heading to high school or moving away to college, parents should call their insurance agent and review their homeowner's policy to discuss policy coverage, limitations and deductibles that may exist for high-end items like laptops, jewelry, and musical instruments. Renter's insurance is relatively inexpensive option as well for those students not covered by their parent’s homeowners policy or if living off-campus.
About Etch-a-Tech
Etch-a-Tech serves the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and offers mobile, on-site, high-quality, cost-effective Laser Security Marking designed to uniquely identify property by name, brand, asset number, bar code, logo, or personal artwork. Etch-a-Tech specializes in marking almost any item including laptops, desktops, iPods, cameras, music instruments, lab equipment, LCD projectors, and much more. Because Laser Security Marking is done on the item itself, it becomes nearly impossible to sell stolen equipment and it expedites the return of equipment that is simply misplaced.
Etch-a-Tech Laser Security Marking replaces more conventional and less secure marking methods such as removable stickers, adhesive-backed tags, ink stamps, and hand engraving tools.
For more information, contact Dave Marshall with Etch-a-Tech at: info@Etch-a-Tech.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2008
Habitat for Humanity “Nails Down” Laptops
“Permanent Security Markings Drops the Hammer on Thieves”
(Fort Worth, Texas) – Trinity Habitat for Humanity has partnered with the Metroplex technology company, Etch-a-Tech, to Laser Security Mark the non-profit organization’s suite of laptop computers and safeguard donors’ investments and good works.
Trinity Habitat for Humanity, based in Fort Worth, and its volunteers dedicate time and resources to build quality, affordable homes in partnership with families who need them. Volunteers and donations of money and materials come from the Fort Worth community, corporate sector and civic and fraternal organizations.
“Being a non-profit organization, much of our operating budget is derived from generous cash and material donations. Needless to say, safeguarding these resources is a matter of good stewardship as well as an investment in the future of our ministry and the families it serves,” states Gage Yager, Executive Director, Trinity Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat offices were hit by burglars who took over $24,000 worth of computer equipment in 2004. The nonprofit secures its data with back-up tapes held off-premises, so losses were limited to hardware. Even so, once was more than enough, Yager said.
”It’s bad enough to lose the actual piece of equipment, but when you look at, the cost and headaches of the down time without computers, re-acquiring all that equipment and reloading data… well, it’s something you never want to experience,” continues Yager. “Our aim is to prevent theft first and foremost.”
Laser marking equipment for program promotion, security and inventory reporting demonstrates good stewardship. Etch-a-Tech’s Laser Security Marking offers Trinity Habitat for Humanity the first line of defense in protecting against theft or loss by creating a highly visible, permanent and professional image directly on the equipment. The result is an indisputable ownership marking that clearly promotes Habitat for Humanity and exposes thieves in possession of stolen items.
“Now that the administration equipment has been marked, Habitat is ready to work with Etch-a-Tech to mark other key equipment and components of our operation to secure them as well,” says Yager.
Since its founding in 1989, Trinity Habitat for Humanity has housed 989 family members and built more than 325 homes in Tarrant, Johnson, Parker and Wise counties.
About Etch-a-Tech
Etch-a-Tech serves the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and offers mobile, on-site, high-quality, cost-effective Laser Security Marking designed to uniquely identify property by name, brand, asset number, bar code, logo, or personal artwork. Etch-a-Tech specializes in marking almost any item including laptops, desktops, iPods, cameras, music instruments, lab equipment, LCD projectors, and much more. Because Laser Security Marking is done on the item itself, it becomes nearly impossible to sell stolen equipment and it expedites the return of equipment that is simply misplaced.
Etch-a-Tech Laser Security Marking replaces more conventional and less secure marking methods such as removable stickers, adhesive-backed tags, ink stamps, and hand engraving tools.
For more information, contact Dave Marshall with Etch-a-Tech at: info@Etch-a-Tech.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2008
Economy Woes Fuels Increased Property Thefts
"Desperate times make people desperate"
(Fort Worth, Texas) – Call it what you will, a downturn in the economy, a slump, or a looming recession, the current economic tide coupled with some school and business technology models that call for large increases in hardware acquisitions are sure to fuel an upsurge in theft of those technology assets. When the economy is in a lull it is inevitable that crime increases, meanwhile operating budgets are reduced, which impacts security programs to safeguard those technology assets; making it easier for thieves to take advantage of unsecured and unmarked property.
"Property crime is strongly related to the economy," said Simon Hakim, an Economics professor at Temple University. Even here, in the Metroplex, Fort Worth police Lt. Ken Crawford, supervisor of property crimes says, "The economy is driving people to do more to try to get money. These are thieves.”
In response to a large increase in campus
thefts, University of Pennsylvania Vice President for Public Safety
Maureen Rush said that a bad economy can increase rates of theft because
"so many people are living on the edge and can't afford to eat, even if
they are working." She said that when this happens, "good people" turn
to theft to make up for their loss in wages.
"Desperate times make people desperate," she said.
The pickings are relatively easy. Last year alone, “almost $500,000 of high-tech equipment stolen,” reported the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in regard to the Fort Worth Independent School District. Recently reported, there was $140,000 of technology equipment stolen last summer in the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD and $100,000 stolen in one heist alone in the Northwest ISD. None of which is covered by insurance and unfortunately, none of which was properly marked with District information. But educators say the losses are immeasurable for students and teachers who rely on this equipment for projects, lessons and TAKS tests. "The replacement costs and the dead period between thefts and when things are replaced are a concern," FWISD Trustee Juan Rangel said. "The kids are the ones who suffer."
And it’s not just school districts that are burdened with this; many businesses, organizations and college campuses are also theft targets for these technology thieves. The amount of loss is horrendous, especially when taking into account the loss of employee productivity and potential data loss. The most recent example being the $100,000 theft of equipment at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas headquarters.
Etch-a-Tech’s Laser Security Marking offers the first line of defense in protecting against theft or loss by creating a highly visible, permanent and professional image directly on the device in most cases. The result is an indisputable ownership marking that clearly exposes thieves in possession of stolen items.
Even the makers of LoJack, a software tracking solution, pronounce in their Best Practices doctrine, “Engrave your name and phone number into the laptop. Thieves usually steal laptops to immediately sell them for whatever profit they can get. If your name and number are emblazoned on it, the laptop will be less desirable to steal.”(- Laptop Theft Deterrent Best Practices, Absolute.com. This “common sense” sentiment is also echoed by the likes of Dell Computers, IBM, Yahoo and the publishers of Laptops for Dummies.
For more information, contact Dave Marshall with Etch-a-Tech at:info@Etch-a-Tech.com.
About Etch-a-Tech
Etch-a-Tech serves the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and offers mobile, on-site, high-quality, cost-effective Laser Security Marking designed to uniquely identify property by name, brand, asset number, bar code, logo, or personal artwork. Etch-a-Tech specializes in marking almost any item including laptops, desktops, iPods, cameras, music instruments, lab equipment, LCD projectors, and much more. Because Laser Security Marking is done on the item itself, it becomes nearly impossible to sell stolen equipment and it expedites the return of equipment that is simply misplaced.
Etch-a-Tech Laser Security Marking replaces more conventional and less secure marking methods such as removable stickers, adhesive-backed tags, ink stamps, and hand engraving tools.
April 22, 2008
Free Laser Security Marking to Tarrant Police Departments
Large Discounts for Police Officers Included
(Fort Worth, Texas) Fort Worth-based Etch-a-Tech will offer free Laser Security Marking for up to 20 pieces of equipment to all police departments located within Fort Worth/Tarrant County effective immediately. As an added service, all active police officers within these departments are eligible to have personal equipment and supplies Laser Security Marked at a significant discount.
Etch-a-Tech Security Laser Marking offers a first line in protecting against theft or loss by creating a highly visible, permanent and professional image directly on the device in most cases. The result is an indisputable ownership marking that clearly exposes thieves in possession of stolen items.
Even the makers of LoJack, a software tracking solution, pronounce in their Best Practices doctrine, “Engrave your name and phone number into the laptop. Thieves usually steal laptops to immediately sell them for whatever profit they can get. If your name and number are emblazoned on it, the laptop will be less desirable to steal.”(- Laptop Theft Deterrent Best Practices, Absolute.com).This “common sense” sentiment is also echoed by the likes of Dell Computers, IBM, Yahoo and the publishers of Laptops for Dummies.
To register, or for more information visit http://www.etch-a-tech.com, or contact Dave Marshall with Etch-a-Tech at info@Etch-a-Tech.com.
About Etch-a-Tech
Etch-a-Tech serves the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and offers portable, high-quality, cost-effective Laser Security Marking designed to uniquely identify property by name, brand, asset number, bar code, logo, or personal artwork. Etch-a-Tech specializes in marking almost any item including laptops, desktops, iPods, cameras, music instruments, lab equipment, LCD projectors, and much more. Because Laser Security Marking is done on the item itself, it becomes nearly impossible to sell stolen equipment and it expedites the return of equipment that is simply misplaced.
Etch-a-Tech Laser Security Marking replaces more conventional and less secure marking methods such as removable stickers, adhesive-backed tags, ink stamps, and hand engraving tools.
February 1, 2008
Common Sense is at the Heart of New Metroplex Business
It’s Common Sense…if you want to keep your laptop, put your name on it!
(Fort Worth, Texas) – It’s just common sense. Your mother told you to do it… your camp director told you to do it. If you care about your stuff and you don’t want it swiped or lost, you better put your name on it!
There are plenty of security hardware and software solutions for laptops and computers but most are easily defeated by thieves… laptops are left unsecured, cables get cut, software erased and stickers removed. Computer security experts always recommend common sense as the first line of protection, by permanently marking your valuable hardware with your name or brand. Even the makers of LoJack, a software tracking solution, pronounce in their Best Practices doctrine, “Engrave your name and phone number into the laptop. Thieves usually steal laptops to immediately sell them for whatever profit they can get. If your name and number are emblazoned on it, the laptop will be less desirable to steal.” (- Laptop Theft Deterrent Best Practices, Absolute.com) This “common sense” sentiment is also echoed by the likes of Dell Computers, IBM, Yahoo and the publishers of Laptops for Dummies.
Etch-a-Tech, a newly formed business in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, has established a portable Laser Security Marking capability to reduce theft and loss of high-value, high-profile business and school assets. According to published reports, businesses and school districts nationwide are experiencing a costly cycle of theft and replacement of operational critical equipment. Lost or stolen items include computer equipment, PDAs, cell phones, iPods, lab equipment and musical instruments – to name a few.
In the metroplex area alone, school districts and businesses have suffered severe losses to theft. When you look at the real cost of the loss, and subsequent replacement of that equipment, the loss value is nearly quadruple due to overhead and lost production. It’s a terrible loss to a business or organization that relies on that equipment for their livelihood.
Laser Security Marking creates a highly visible, permanent and professional image directly on the device in most cases. The result is an indisputable ownership marking that clearly exposes thieves in possession of stolen items.
Laser Security Marking of business equipment, school assets, or even devices belonging to individuals with a highly visible, permanent, security image is an effective way to deter theft. The deterrence is based on making it impossible for the item to be used openly, thus reducing its street value to nothing. The process is extremely cost effective when compared to other conventional types of security measures such as cables and locks, tracking software, and barcode stickers. Laser Security Marking typically begins at $20 for a laptop.
Etch-a-Tech is currently focusing on providing their new service to local businesses and school districts. Plans are in-work to expand services to individuals who need Laser Security Marking or would like custom artwork for their high-tech equipment.
About Etch-a-Tech
Etch-a-Tech is a startup business serving the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Etch-a-Tech’s portable Laser Security Marking can identify your property by name, brand, asset number, bar code, logos and mascots, department names, return information or even custom artwork that might be desired. Because the marking is done on the item in question, it becomes nearly impossible to sell stolen equipment and it expedites the return of equipment that is simply misplaced. We specialize in marking almost anything that you want to keep your hands on... laptops, desktops, iPods, cameras, music instruments, lab equipment, LCD projectors, etc.
Laser Security Marking is an excellent and cost effective method to safeguard your assets and products. Laser Security Marking replaces more conventional and less secure marking methods such as removable stickers, adhesive-backed tags, ink stamps, and hand engraving tools.
New Metroplex Startup Business Tackles Thieves
“Since January 2006, almost $500,000 of high-tech equipment stolen [from FWISD].”
Jan. 17, 2008 (Fort Worth, Texas) – Etch-a-Tech, a newly formed company in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, has established a portable Laser Security Marking capability to reduce theft and loss of high-value, high-profile school district assets. According to published reports, school districts nationwide are experiencing a costly cycle of theft and replacement of instructional and administrative equipment. Lost or stolen items include computer equipment, band instruments, scientific and mathematics lab equipment.
In the local Fort Worth area alone, school districts and businesses have suffered severe losses to theft; “Since January 2006, almost $500,000 of high-tech equipment stolen,” reports the Star-Telegram in regard to the Fort Worth Independent School District on October 30, 2007. More recently, two schools have been burglarized in the Birdville District and again in Fort Worth with losses of over $80,000…none of which is covered by insurance and, unfortunately, none of which was properly marked.
Laser Security Marking of school district assets, business equipment, or even devices belonging to individuals with a highly visible, permanent, security image is an effective way to deter theft. The deterrence is based on making it impossible for the item to be used openly, thus reducing its street value to nothing. The process is extremely cost effective when compared to other types of security measures. Laser Security Marking will provide significant value to school districts by:
protecting student learning time and hands-on training time – deterring the theft at the source
- safeguarding sensitive district, teacher and student information
- providing a rapid response, turn-key solution to a budget-eroding problem
- demonstrating strong stewardship of public funds - addressing equipment losses before they can occur
Laser Security Marking creates a highly visible, permanent and professional image directly on the device in most cases. The result is an indisputable ownership marking that clearly exposes thieves in possession of stolen items.
Etch-a-Tech is currently focusing on providing their new service to local school districts and businesses. Plans are in-work to expand services to individuals who need Laser Security Marking or would like custom artwork for their high-tech equipment.
About Etch-a-Tech
Etch-a-Tech is a startup business serving the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Etch-a-Tech’s portable Laser Security Marking can identify your property by name, brand, asset number, bar code, logos and mascots, department names, return information or even custom artwork that might be desired. Because the marking is done on the item in question, it becomes nearly impossible to sell stolen equipment and it expedites the return of equipment that is simply misplaced We specialize in marking almost anything that you want to keep your hands on... laptops, desktops, iPods, cameras, music instruments, lab equipment, LCD projectors, etc.
Laser Security Marking is an excellent and cost effective method to safeguard your assets and products. Laser Security Marking replaces more conventional and less secure marking methods such as removable stickers, adhesive-backed tags, ink stamps, and hand engraving tools.
- Press Releases:
-
5 Simple
Tips to
Safeguard
your
Back-to-School
Gadgets
(7/31/08) -
Habitat for
Humanity
"Nails Down"
Laptops
(7/24/08)
-
Economy Woes
Fuels
Increased
Property
Thefts
(6/19/08)
-
Free Laser
Security
Marking to
Tarrant
Police
Departments
(4/22/2008)
-
Common Sense is
at the Heart of New Metroplex Business (02/01/2008)
-
New Metroplex
Startup Business Tackles Thieves (01/17/2008)