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Response to Ban on Laptops in Airline Cabins in U.K.Recommendations for International Business Travelers and Laptop Users in Response to Ban on Notebook Computers in Airline Cabins in the U.K. Absolute Software, leading provider of computer theft recovery, data protection and secure asset tracking solutions, advises travelers to protect laptops and data while heeding travel regulations VANCOUVER, Canada: August 11, 2006 – Absolute® Software Corporation (“Absolute") (TSX: ABT), the leading provider of patented, firmware-based, Computer Theft Recovery, Data Protection and Secure Asset Tracking™ solutions, announced recommendations for business travelers and notebook computer users traveling in and out of the United Kingdom, given the recent ban on laptops in airline cabins. Authorities in the U.K. yesterday banned all electronic devices in airplane cabins following the arrest of 21 suspects in connection with an alleged terrorist plot to blow up numerous aircraft en route to the U.S. “Although this greatly impacts international business travelers, this could also foreshadow a broader ban and tighter security restrictions on a global basis,” said John Livingston, chairman and CEO of Absolute Software. “Passengers with laptops may be reluctant to place them in their checked-in luggage, but there are additional steps they can take to protect their computers and sensitive data.” Livingston added, “These precautions make good business sense at anytime – not just during a period of heightened security. Laptop theft, data security and identity theft are threats that all travelers face on a daily basis. These steps can help mitigate risk, prevent a business disruption and lead to the recovery of lost or stolen laptops.” Absolute Software recommends taking the following precautions: 1. Use luggage locks. Luggage locks act as a deterrent to theft and may discourage a criminal from targeting your bag. Ensure that your luggage lock is TSA approved so that it survives inspection. 2. Pack laptops for rough handling. To avoid unnecessary damage, encase laptops in soft foam or bubble wrap. Place the wrapped package inside a traditional laptop bag or hard case to protect it from rough treatment from baggage handlers or the baggage carousel. 3. Keep laptops inconspicuous. Do not check a laptop bag as luggage – instead, put your laptop inside another piece of checked luggage that does not advertise the contents inside. Layering also helps protect against damage and keeps the laptop inconspicuous. 4. Use ‘complex’ passwords and encryption solutions. Prevent unauthorized access to your laptop and sensitive data. Simple passwords can often be ‘hacked’ by criminals so be sure to always use a complex combination of letters and numbers. 5. Back-up valuable data before travel. It is important to back-up data as frequently as possible to minimize the risk of data loss or lost productivity in the event that your laptop is lost or stolen. Since the information or ‘knowledge’ that is stored on the computer is often more valuable than the computer itself, it is important to treat the data with as much care as possible. 6. Invest in asset tracking and recovery software. Laptop recovery tools such as Computrace from Absolute Software are highly effective, especially those embedded in the BIOS of computers. These tools are not only designed to recover lost or stolen laptops, but often help identify the root cause of internal theft by catching the thieves responsible. Asset tracking tools can also help organizations with asset reporting challenges and regulatory compliance issues. 7. Use remote data protection. Leverage advanced data protection technology such as Absolute Software’s Computrace Data Protection to remotely wipe sensitive information in the event that your computer is lost or stolen. 8. Carry portable storage devices. Carry a copy of important information on an external thumb drive for easy access to important information in case your luggage is delayed or lost in transit. 9. Keep accurate records. Keep purchase receipts and carry your computer’s make, model, and serial number in a safe place in case your luggage is lost and you need to file a claim. 10. Ensure your laptop is shut down. Make sure your laptop is completely shut down and not in standby or hibernate mode before packing in luggage. For more information on Absolute Software and its range of Computer Theft Recovery and Secure Asset Tracking solutions, please visit www.absolute.com. For more information on Absolute’s success in recovering lost or stolen computers, please visit http://www.absolute.com/Public/successstories/default.asp About Absolute Software Absolute Software (TSX: ABT) is the leader in firmware-based, patented Computer Theft Recovery, Data Protection and Secure Asset Tracking™ solutions. Absolute Software provides organizations and consumers with solutions in the areas of regulatory compliance, data protection and computer theft recovery. The company’s Computrace software is embedded in the firm-ware of computers by global leaders, including Dell, Lenovo, Gateway, HP and Fujitsu, and has reseller partnerships with these OEMs and others, including Toshiba. For more information about Absolute Software and Computrace, visit www.absolute.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the expected performance of our services and products, possible guarantee payment eligibility, and other expectations, intentions and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact. When used in this press release, the words "plan," "expect," "believe," and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in technology and general market conditions. In light of the many risks and uncertainties you should understand that we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will be realized. ©2006 Absolute Software Corporation. All rights reserved. Computrace and Absolute are registered trademarks of Absolute Software Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. Computrace US patents No. 5,715,174, No. 5,764,892, No. 5,802,280, No. 6,244,758, No. 6,269,392, No. 6,300,863, and No. 6,507,914. Canadian patent No. 2,305,370. U.K. patents No. EP793823 and No. GB2338101. German patent No. 695 125 34.6-08. Australian patent No. 699045. The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved of the information contained in this news release. For more information please contact: Absolute Software Corporation: John Livingston, CEO [email protected] or 604.730.9851 Public Relations: Courtney Chauvin, Affect Strategies [email protected] or 212.398 9680 Investor Relations: Dave Mason, CFA, The Equicom Group [email protected] or 416.815.0700 x237 |