AXCESS’ RFID Solution Solving Government Laptop Theft Problem

AXCESS International Inc., a leading provider of Dual-Active RFID and Real Time Location Systems (RTLS) solutions, announced that three civilian U.S. Government agencies are installing its patented ActiveTagTM wireless RFID system for locating, tracking and protecting laptop computer assets and critical documents. The installations come during a time when the theft of laptops and other assets is at an all time high, with similar incidents reported by groups including the FBI and IRS. AXCESS’ RFID solution is designed to prevent such thefts by working automatically to identify, locate and track assets as they move around a facility.

In October 2006, the Congressional Committee on Government Reform found that all 19 civilian agencies reported losing personally identifiable information. AXCESS’ ActiveTag system provides a proven solution to this problem that works in concert with standard security alarm equipment, to identify authorized personnel and provide instant message alerts when unauthorized individuals attempt to remove tagged laptops or other assets. The technology, which manages assets with no manual human involvement, can identify a laptop by using a small battery-powered property tag that is attached to the computer, often with an optional anti-tamper circuit that serves as a fail safe measure.

“The growing rate of laptop thefts has reached epidemic proportions, and reinforces the need for a security solution at both the governmental and industry level,” said Allan Griebenow, President and CEO of AXCESS International. “AXCESS’ system has been proven to provide the necessary automated protection solution and is easily implemented as it can be integrated into common security systems that are currently installed. This is a comprehensive solution for assets that can be used to help more efficiently protect highly sensitive information.”

Organizations have been increasingly seeking automated means for protecting the IT assets that house vulnerable data, including laptops, desktops and digital media tapes. In addition, U.S. Congress now has five bills in consideration requiring safeguards and prompt notification of potential victims of identity theft.

“Automated asset management and protection systems are necessary for every organization today”, said Walter Darrough, Knowledge Executive with International Association of IT Asset Managers, Inc. (IAITAM). “Unmanaged, some of the larger costs typically incurred include poor labor utilization, redundant hardware, lease and software penalty fees, and most importantly the loss of personal and organizational data.”