In case the cell phone is lost and is instead found by a Good Samaritan, BAK2u has stickers that can be put on the phone that list a serial number as well as a phone number and website address. The finding party can then anonymously return the cell phone to BAK2u, which then sends it back to the person who lost it.
A company called Remote XT has a program that, when activated by the owner, makes the cell phone emit a loud shrill, locks the phone's buttons with a message that reads, "This Phone Is Stolen," and then clears the thief's SIM card data. Although it doesn't help recover the phone, it might deter the thief from taking more. Another company, NTT DoCoMo, can have a GPS tracking device installed on the cell phone that can make the phone instantly locatable in case of loss or theft.
Other software has been made for laptops that can be used to track the lost computer or even alert the owner that the laptop is in the process of being stolen. BAK2u's software for Macs, Verey I, sends out an email to the owner with the IP address of the thief and other data, including a video of the culprit using the laptop. A freeware program called iAlertU actually uses the motion sensor in new Mac laptops to detect sudden jerky movements, which then sets off an alarm and takes a picture. Others, like LoJack for Laptops, send off a signal using any Internet connection that silently announces where the laptop is to the owner.
ComputraceComplete from Absolute Software gives the user more information when tracking where the computer is while it's linked to the Internet, including what programs are being used on the computer, and the ability to delete files remotely.
With more and more safeguards like these programs becoming available, one can feel a little more at ease with the memories encased in the increasingly mobile technology of today.
References
Mollman, Steve. "New services help consumers keep track of their gadgets." CNN: Digital Biz. May 29, 2007. www.cnn.com/2007/BUSINESS/05/28/gadgets.labels/index.html.
Johnson, Mark. "Antitheft technologies for cell phones." Techzoogle. February 3, 2007. http://techzoogle.com/antitheft-technologies-for-cell-phones.
