PC Professionals yesterday launched an IT surveillance system (ITSS) which it says will go a long way to help companies safeguard their intellectual property by enabling them to protect their IT hardware.
The company`s MD, Jason Roper, quotes the insurance industry engineering book of business as saying that R205 million was paid out on computer theft last year.
"The ITSS anti-theft mechanism provides a security system suitable for both small and large companies. The system enables companies to detect internal and external corruption, theft, fraud and sabotage, which will prevent massive financial losses in the business environment," he says.
The ITSS consists of a "screamer" unit that slots inside each PC that links to the master control unit placed within the company`s mainframe.
Roper says transparency within the company`s existing network infrastructure and using available network cables, the plug-and-play concept is quick to install.
The system proactively protects the computer equipment by sending an SMS to designated people as soon as a computer is disconnected, opened or tampered with.
"Any tampering, dismantling or disconnection of the computer will cause the screamer unit to emit a 97-decibel siren to deter any would-be thieves," he says.
According to the company, the master control unit remains active 24 hours a day, regardless of power failures. It runs independently of any hardware or software and is undetectable to unauthorised people.
Internal corruption is prevented by a logging system, which records any changes or input to the system. Any changes are logged on the master control unit and can be downloaded only by approved personnel.
"With more than 60% of all South African companies having fallen victim to computer theft over the past year, according to industry resources, it is apparent that this specialised and premeditated form of crime has taken epic proportions," says Roper.
The company is developing a similar product for mobile and semi-mobile devices such as notebook computers.
Roper concludes that the product has attracted interest from both local and international companies, and he expects some big orders in the coming months.
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