GadgetTrak Blog


ActiveTrak Secures PlumChoice as Reseller of its Award Winning GadgetTrak Mobile Security Solution
Friday, July 15, 2011


Portland, OR and Boston, MA July 14, 2011- ActiveTrak Inc. announces it has signed a reseller agreement with PlumChoice Inc. which will enable PlumChoice to bundle ActiveTrak’s award winning GadgetTrak® Mobile Security solution with PlumChoice’s world class technology care services provided by its qualified IT certified technicians. Plum Choice will offer the combined technology and services through its channel partners, which include ISPs, service providers, and other retail partners serving the small and medium size business and consumer markets. The combined solution provides PlumChoice’s partners with an additional revenue stream and offers their customers not only peace of mind but also access to a comprehensive suite of support services.

“With the explosion in the use of mobile devices including smartphones and tablets the numbers of lost or stolen devices is increasing,” said Josh Goldlust, Vice President, and Product Management for PlumChoice. “The combination ActiveTrak’s technology and PlumChoice’s technology care services will enable our partners to offer security and peace of mind to their customers for a simple monthly subscription fee.”

GadgetTrak Mobile Security provides advanced tracking and data protection software for smartphones and tablets. The software allows lost or stolen devices to be tracked, as well as remotely backup and wipe sensitive information on the device. GadgetTrak Mobile Security also provides tamper proof measures, preventing thieves from modifying the application settings or avoiding being tracked by simply removing the SIM card.
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GadgetTrak Available Through Cisco’s AppHQ - First Enteprise Focused App Store
Monday, July 11, 2011


GadgetTrak Mobile Security is featured in Cisco’s AppHQ for their new Cius tablet, one of the first tablets and app stores specifically designed for the enterprise. The Cisco Cius is an innovative business tablet, which delivers one of the most portable, powerful, reliable and secure communications, computing, and collaboration experience for a device of its kind.

GadgetTrak is honored to be selected early in the release of the device, due to our strong focus on security for mobile devices. Cisco’s AppHQ, an application ecosystem designed specifically for the Cisco Cius that provides new ways to create, manage and rapidly deploy mobile business applications in the enterprise. Cisco AppHQ is a highly secure user storefront that provides capabilities for end users and IT managers not found in other application stores today.

GadgetTrak Mobile Security was designed with the enterprise in mind, so we are honored our application was selected as one of the first apps to be approved for the Cius device. This in combination with GadgetTrak’s recent AT&T Enterprise Certification validates GadgetTrak Mobile Security as a leader in mobile security for the enterprise.

GadgetTrak featured on ABC 7’s 7live in San Francisco
Tuesday, May 17, 2011


Jennifer Jolly did a great segment showcasing GadgetTrak during ABC 7’s 7live this afternoon in San Francisco.

We know, all to well, the headaches caused by stolen devices. A big Thank You to the many news outlets like ABC 7 (KGO) that are helping spread the word and prevent more heartache!

7live in San Francisco

ActiveTrak Inc. Wins Northwest Startup DEMO With GadgetTrak
Friday, May 13, 2011


Seattle, WA, May 13, 2011 – The MIT Enterprise Forum of the Northwest (MITEF NW) today announced that
ActiveTrak (www.gadgettrak.com) is the winner of last night’s Northwest Startup DEMO held at One Union
Square Boardroom in Seattle. ActiveTrak, selected out of the six finalists who presented, demonstrated
GadgetTrak, its patented loss and theft recovery software for laptops, smartphones, and portable media devices
in front of a panel of judges consisting of local venture capitalists, angels, and media. The software utilizes
cameras and Internet connectivity on mobile devices to apply multiple layers of security that protect sensitive
data and locate missing devices.

“We are honored to have received this award,” explains Ken Westin, founder and CEO of ActiveTrak based in
Portland, OR. “Northwest Startup DEMO is a great forum for entrepreneurs and start‐ups to demonstrate their
technology in front of their peers, and get recognition in our region.”

“The premise of DEMO is based on a start‐up’s ability to deliver solid product and service demonstrations,” adds
Steve Johnson, DEMO Chair for MITEF NW. “From smartphone apps to technology for interactive movies, the
businesses that presented last night are a testimony to the hotbed of innovation that is the Pacific Northwest.”

Twice a year, Northwest Startup DEMO, a program of MITEF NW, showcases the latest technology companies of
the region, in partnership with Alliance of Angels, Keiretsu Forum, Puget Sound Venture Club, Seraph Capital
Forum, TacomaAngel Network, and ZINO Society.

FBI and GadgetTrak Founder Offer Smartphone Security Tips
Thursday, May 12, 2011


GadgetTrak founder Ken Westin and Alan Peters of the FBI offer tips on smartphone security in a special segment on KGW News in Portland, Oregon:

Some of the key tips include:

  • Don’t explore suspicious text messages
  • Connect only to known or password-protected hotspots
  • Turn off your phone when not using it ( at night etc )

GadgetTrak Laptop Recovery - Richmond, CA
Saturday, May 7, 2011


When St. Mary’s College student Michael Kuzmack lost his laptop last semester just before finals, he was crushed. But then he remembered he had software on it - called GadgetTrak - that enabled him to catch the crook. When the thief finally turned it on, the laptop’s camera immediately took a photo of the suspect.

“I was really angry, but then I was thankful that I had indeed installed GadgetTrak … and I got all this information and the chances of recovering the laptop were really good.”

The software also pinpointed his exact address in Richmond. And transmitted the information to Michael’s email. Moraga police were able to zero in, make an arrest, and recover his laptop.

“We’re able to find a GPS coordinate of where the particular person is, get a search warrant, and we’re able to retrieve that laptop, so we’ve had really great successes with some of these products,” says Mary Kusmiss of the Berkeley police department.

ActiveTrak CEO Interviewed Regarding iPhone Tracking Issue
Friday, April 22, 2011


GadgetTrak Named A Winner In CTIA Wireless Emerging Tech Awards!
Thursday, March 24, 2011


We’re honored to announce that GadgetTrak took home 3rd Place in the 2011 CTIA Wireless E-Tech Awards!

The Emerging Tech awards represent the most innovative mobile companies in the world. We shared the category, “Productivity, Utility and Public Safety”, with amazing companies: Skype, LogMeIn, the Opera Browser, and SoftKey.

Results:GadgetTrak 2011 CTIA Emerging Technology Awards Finalist

1st Place: LogMeIn Ignition, LogMeIn, Inc.
2nd Place: SwiftKey Tablet, TouchType Ltd.
3rd Place: GadgetTrak, ActiveTrak

We couldn’t be happier to be showcased on this global stage. If you aren’t familiar, CTIA is an international organization representing the wireless communications industry. The association includes wireless carriers and hardware providers.

“CTIA congratulates this year’s E-Tech Awards winners,” said Robert Mesirow, CTIA vice president and show director. “The mobile industry is undergoing rapid innovation and the E-Tech Awards honor the latest products and services for a truly mobile life.”

Seems the awards are really starting to roll in!

GadgetTrak for iOS Designed for iPad 2
Friday, March 11, 2011


GadgetTrak for iOS 2.5 was specifically designed for the iPhone 4 and iPad 2 to make use of the back and front facing cameras to capture photos of who has your phone and their surroundings. GadgetTrak is the first to offer this innovative feature for iOS devices in combination with our tracking technology. With GadgetTrak you can track all your iOS devices and Macs as well as other platforms including Windows, Android and Blackberry all in one place.

GadgetTrak Mobile Security Update for Gingerbread Released
Wednesday, March 2, 2011


GadgetTrak for Android - Honeycomb UpdateWe are happy to announce that the GadgetTrak Mobile Security update for Android OS version 2.3.3, aka Gingerbread has been released. The new version is optimized for the latest version of Android, while continuing to be backwards compatible to previous versions going all the way back to 1.6. This release has been rolled out at the same time Google has started pushing Gingerbread out to all Nexus One and Nexus S users. The latest version of GadgetTrak for Android now appears in the Market for those users with the latest Android version.

Download GadgetTrak for Android

Learn more about GadgetTrak Mobile Security and sign up for a free 7 day trial


Why Android Anti-Virus Apps Failed to Detect Recent “DroidDream” Malware Scare
Tuesday, March 1, 2011


The recent “rageagainstthecage” or “DroidDream” malware scare in the Android market is one of the first real malware incidents we have seen on the Android platform in the Marketplace to affect a number of users. Google just pulled more than 50 popular free apps from the Android Market which contained malware aimed at rooting the user’s device, stealing large amounts of personal data and downloading more malicious code. The applications that are being marketed in the Android Market as “anti-virus” which are supposed to protect users from this type of malware were completely ineffective in this case, it was only when Google pulled the plug on them that people were aware.

All of the bad apps were put into the market by the publishers Myournet, Kingmall2010 and we20090202 here is a working list of the malicious applications:
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ActiveTrak Inc. Launches GadgetTrak® Enterprise for Cross-Platform Mobile Device Management
Tuesday, February 22, 2011


Company expands mobile security to the enterprise and adds white label and internationalization support

PORTLAND, Ore. – February 23, 2011 – ActiveTrak Inc. (www.activetrak.com), producer of tracking and data protection software for mobile devices, today announced the availability of GadgetTrak® Enterprise, the most advanced mobile device management and data protection service available for smartphones and media tablets for corporations and large organizations.
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GadgetTrak is a SXSW Accelerator Finalist
Wednesday, February 16, 2011



We are really honored to announce that we have been selected as one of eight finalists to present at the SXSW Accelerator in the “Innovative Web Technologies” category. More than four hundred companies submitted their products to the third annual SXSW Accelerator Presented by Microsoft BizSpark. We are in really great company, some of the most promising tech startups and products from around the world are presenting.

Congratulations to all the finalists who will be showcasing their products March 14th through 16th at the Hilton Austin Downtown!

ActiveTrak / GadgetTrak®
Portland, OR
gadgettrak.com
ActiveTrak Inc. is the developer of GadgetTrak®, the award winning, cross-platform and proven device tracking and data protection software. GadgetTrak® software allows users to find lost or stolen laptops or smartphones, as well as protect the data that resides on them.

The Celebrity Tweet Effect
Tuesday, February 15, 2011


The recent launch of our new iPhone application has been quite successful, the first ever ability to capture a photo of who has your phone in connection with tracking data has been a big hit. What was particularly amazing about this launch was some interesting celebrity endorsements we had as a result of our launch. One such endorsement came from Tony Robbins, the well known motivational speaker and author, all of sudden one night I found this in my Twitter stream:


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GadgetTrak 2.5 for iPhone Launched
Wednesday, February 2, 2011


Yesterday GadgetTrak 2.5 for the iPhone was released in the App Store market with quite a bit of fanfare from our users and the press. The new features with push notifications and the ability to activate the camera remotely have made it quite a hit. Within just a few hours our application which has always been in the top 100 iPhone applications quickly jumped to the #2 spot.

We were featured in several top tier Apple focused publications and a local news crew even did a great story on the launch.

Press coverage:

GadgetTrak Mobile Security 3 Launches for Android & Blackberry
Thursday, January 13, 2011


We’re really excited to announce the launch of GadgetTrak Mobile Security 3, our next generation applications for Android and Blackberry smartphones and tablets.

GadgetTrak Mobile Security 3 takes the GadgetTrak service well beyond location tracking, adding several new security features, most notably remote backup and data wipe.

Key features include:

  • Optimized for smartphones and tablets: Built for each platform’s native capabilities to offer the best protection for the widest range of mobile devices.
  • Remotely wipe the device: Remotely wipe personal data stored on your device such as photos, email, contacts and SMS messages.
  • Secure data backup: Encrypt photos and contacts using government grade encryption (AES 256) and back them up in a secure location.
  • Advanced Positioning: Locate your device using a combination of GPS, cell tower triangulation, and Wi-Fi positioning, even if the device is indoors.
  • Tamper proof: Once activated, the app settings cannot be modified on the device and notifies if the SIM card changes.
  • Alarm: Trigger the device to emit a loud siren that can be a theft deterrent or help find a missing phone even if it is set to silent mode.

Mobile Security 3 joins the rest of the GadgetTrak family to allow you to protect all of your Mac and Windows laptops, iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch, Android, and BlackBerry devices.

GadgetTrak Mobile Security 3 is now available. Try it out Free for 30 days and just $19.95 / year afterward.

CNET: GadgetTrak offers mobile theft protection
Thursday, January 13, 2011


LAS VEGAS–Unfortunately for those of us who prefer to believe in the innate goodness of our fellow humans, the fact is that not all people are brimming with common decency. Theft of mobile devices is not an uncommon occurrence, especially with the rising prevalence of expensive gadgets in the general populace. And with all the information stored on smartphones these days, including confidential company e-mail and personal finance apps, its even more important to protect your device from unsavory characters.

Enter GadgetTrak Mobile Security, which has revved to version 3 just in time for CES 2011. Along with its companion apps, this handy service provides comprehensive protection for laptops, smartphones, and tablets in the event they’re lost or stolen.

Read Full Story on CNET.com

ActiveTrak Featuring New GadgetTrak Software at CES
Thursday, December 23, 2010


ActiveTrak Inc. will be at CES this year demoing our latest and greatest GadgetTrak software for mobile devices. This year we will actually be in a few areas of the show:

  • Booth #1035N in the North Hall in the New Products area near the iStage and CES Broadcast area
  • Booth #4435 with our distributor Dr. Bott in the iLounge area
  • We will also be featured in ShowStoppers at The Wynn, Thursday Jan. 6, the event starts at 6PM

We will be announcing some pretty big news at the show and look forward to meeting our customers and partners, stop by our booth to say hello, or if you want to meet in person feel free to contact us before the show.

GadgetTrak® Wins Best Security Application in 2010 Mobile Star Awards™
Tuesday, December 7, 2010


GadgetTrak® has been named a “Superstar” in the 2010 Mobile Star Awards, winning the “Consumer App: Security” division. Now in its 9th year, the annual Mobile Star Awards recognize the top mobile products in the market. Voted on by the public, these awards reflect the best in the mobile device industry.

The GadgetTrak suite of mobile tracking and data protection solutions for laptops and mobile devices is quickly becoming the industry standard.

Read the full press release

Full list of winners

Laptop and Mobile Device Theft Account for 54% of Medical Data Breaches
Tuesday, November 16, 2010


Given the number of laptops, tablet computers and other devices that are used in healthcare that contain and have access to sensitive data, it is no surprise that HHS ( Health & Human Services) official Adam Greene confirmed laptops and mobile device theft as the most common source of health data breaches in healthcare. Since last year when reporting of data breaches became mandatory, 189 breaches have been reported, with 54% involving a computer or mobile phone ( 24% laptops, 16% desktop computers, 14% mobile phones).

During a discussion I had with our friends at ID Experts I was shocked to learn how medical identity theft can mean more than just financial consequences. If someone else is receiving medical services under your profile and as a result the wrong blood type is listed on your records the results could be life threatening. I also discovered that medical ID data on the black market can be worth quite a bit more than a Social Security number.

If this information was not shocking enough, a major data breach at Henry Ford Health Systems in Detroit has put thousands of patients at risk. An unsecured laptop was stolen from an unlocked office urology office on September 24th.

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