Growing Consumer Security Concerns Drive Changing Purchase Patterns

Absolute Software commissioned survey highlights top mobile security concerns for consumers

VANCOUVER, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ - Absolute^® Software Corporation ("Absolute" or the "Company") (TSX: ABT), the leading provider of firmware-based, patented, computer theft recovery, data protection and secure computer lifecycle management solutions today announced survey findings that highlight top consumer security concerns and the impact that those issues have on the decision to purchase laptops, mobile devices, and associated protection solutions. 

The survey asked respondents to rank their top security concerns, and found that 62 percent of consumers listed 'losing the data on their laptops' and 'identity theft' as their primary worries. Surprisingly, while most respondents identified device and data security as a key issue, survey results indicated a large percentage of consumers were still not taking the necessary precautions to protect both the device and data.

"While it's clear that the average consumer understands the importance of safeguarding their laptops and personal information, our data indicates a need for better consumer understanding of the need to protect both the device and data," said Mark Grace, vice president of consumer business for Absolute Software. "The public needs to understand the importance of utilizing a solution that allows them to remotely manage and secure their laptops in order to reduce the devastating damage resulting from the loss of personal data or hardware."

The survey also revealed that consumer security concerns are driving interest in more traditional enterprise security and device management solutions for their personal devices, including:

• Geolocation (53 percent)
• Remote file retrieval (50 percent)
• Device freeze (50 percent)
• Remote data delete (40 percent)
• Mobile security applications (18 percent)

"The pervasiveness of mobile devices in our day-to-day lives is increasing, as is the value of the data on these devices.  Our survey indicates that 2011 will see a greater demand from consumers for comprehensive security offerings to protect all of their devices and the data on them," added Grace. "Absolute Software has long been the industry leader in protecting both device and data, and in delivering enterprise-caliber security solutions for consumers. Our focus is to continue to release next-generation device and data security features that will directly address the high-tech demands of today's savvy consumers."

Additional Survey Results

Hardware security concerns involve more than just laptops - According to the survey, 57 percent of respondents reported owning more than seven technology gadgets per household, including laptops, cell phones and digital cameras. Consumers are expressing interest in products designed to aid in the management of these devices. Early adopters have pegged mobile device security offerings as a logical next step, with 18 percent of respondents indicating that they would be very interested in a mobile security application. 

Data loss more critical to consumers than hardware loss - While the loss of a computer or other hardware device is a critical concern for consumers, the data they often contain has become invaluable. According to the survey, data loss (62 percent), identity theft (62 percent) and unauthorized access to files contained on a database (51 percent) are identified as higher security concerns than the loss of the computer itself (41 percent.)

Methodology

More than 480 consumers were surveyed by Sentient Services in November 2010 on their computer and laptop purchasing decisions and associated security and data protection needs.

How LoJack for Laptops Works

LoJack^® for Laptops is powered by patented Absolute Software Computrace^® technology. It is virtually undetectable and phones home to the Absolute Monitoring Center with location information. In case of an emergency, customers can remotely freeze a computer or delete data from a lost or stolen computer to help protect their personal information.  In addition, the Absolute Theft Recovery Team can gather evidence from the computer to identify the thief's location and work with local police to get the computer back. When embedded in the firmware of computers from leading computer manufacturers,** LoJack for Laptops can survive operating system re-installations, as well as hard-drive reformats, replacements and re-imaging. It can be activated by customers when they purchase a subscription for LoJack for Laptops ranging from 1-3 years.

** For a complete list of firmware-supported computers, see www.absolute.com/firmware.

About Absolute Software

Absolute Software Corporation (TSX: ABT) is the leader in tracking, managing and protecting computers and mobile devices. The Company's Computrace, Absolute Manage and LoJack for Laptops solutions provide theft recovery, data protection and computer lifecycle management capabilities to organizations and consumers. The Computrace Agent is embedded in the firmware of computers by global leaders, including Acer, ASUS, Dell, Fujitsu, General Dynamics Itronix, HP, Lenovo, Motion, Panasonic and Toshiba, and the Company has reselling partnerships with these OEMs and others, including Apple. For more information about Absolute Software, visit www.absolute.com and http://blog.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, functionality and availability of our services and products, 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.

©2011 Absolute Software Corporation. All rights reserved. Computrace, Absolute and Secure Asset Tracking are registered trademarks of Absolute Software Corporation. LoJack is a registered trademark of LoJack Corporation, used under license by Absolute Software Corporation. LoJack Corporation is not responsible for any content herein. Computrace U.S. patents # 5,715,174, # 5,764,892, # 5,802,280, # 5,896,497, # 6,244,758, # 6,269,392, # 6,300,863, and # 6,507,914. Canadian patents # 2,284,806 and # 2,205,370. U.K. patents # EP793823 and # GB2338101. German patent # 695 125 34.6-08. Australian patent # 699045. Japanese patent # JP4067035. The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved of the information contained in this news release.

SOURCE Absolute Software Corporation