tracking software

[petben]

after a recent break in, I've been tasked with investigating 'tracking' software for our iMacs.

 

there are various options on net (£££) some that give locations, take screenshots, photos etc.

 

I'm firstly dubious of it use, as they can't log into the mac due to school network settings, so they will wipe it....hence wiping the tracking software??

 

anyway, any comments and recommendations?

[MordyT]

I would go with a hardware mod for tracking. ANY software is bound to be wiped by anyone competent.

[petben]

can you recommend a hardware mod? I thought being such enclosed units modifying hardware would be tricky?

[chazzy2501]

if you want to check boxes then you can use the free Meraki systems manager. It will at least tell you if the software is uninstalled.

 

https://meraki.cisco.com/products/systems-manager

[MordyT]

All I know of is LoJack for laptops....

[Oaktech]

Might be worth speaking to your local police, they have techniques and tools for lojacking equipment. They might have some useful information.

[mossj88]

Might be worth speaking to your local police, they have techniques and tools for lojacking equipment. They might have some useful information.

 

I believe most forces use UHF Frequency telemetry, the same stuff used for falconry. Not sure how you'd get one in a mac though...

 

If you do go down this route let me know I bought the kit to experiment building a bait bike but never got round to it, so would be happy to sell at discount.

[plexer]

Indeed just do all you can to discourage break ins window bars dogs etc.....

 

Ben

[Blue_Cookeh]

Why don't you set a firmware password on them all? (equivalent of a BIOS password, but not removable without changing the EFI hardware). Most thieves try to sell machines but if you can't wipe or domain login to it, they become pretty useless to anyone but your school... and for the tracking to work generally you need to let the thief login via something like a Guest account.

 

I know this doesn't solve your problem, but at least it makes you a pain in the ass for the thieves.

[Jwzg]

Add Meraki System's Manager to this, and it's as good as LoJack.

 

Why don't you set a firmware password on them all? (equivalent of a BIOS password, but not removable without changing the EFI hardware). Most thieves try to sell machines but if you can't wipe or domain login to it, they become pretty useless to anyone but your school... and for the tracking to work generally you need to let the thief login via something like a Guest account.

 

I know this doesn't solve your problem, but at least it makes you a pain in the ass for the thieves.