What to do when a laptop is lost or stolen

DriveStrike / MDM / Lost laptop

Do this in order

• If the laptop is yours, or if it connects to company systems, tell your manager and the IT department.
• From the DriveStrike dashboard, note the location and send a lock or a wipe. The longer locate steps are in how to find a stolen laptop.
• Contact the police. Use the serial number, make, model, and last location from the device page.
• Change the password on every online account that was used on that laptop. Start with the browser account.

What the laptop can and cannot report

The laptop reports its location when it connects to the internet. A device that stays offline cannot send a new point.

Windows can report GPS, Wi-Fi, or an IP address. A Mac reports an IP address once a day. DriveStrike does not currently capture GPS on MacBooks.

After the wipe arrives, the machine cannot be used and it stops reporting. You still have confirmation that the data is secure.

Wipe steps for each system are on remote wipe by operating system.

Questions

Can DriveStrike find a stolen laptop?

Yes, when the laptop is enrolled and can reach the internet. It reports its location on that connection. After a remote wipe completes, the computer stops reporting. You still get confirmation that the data was secured.

What should I give the police?

The device page lists the serial number, make, and model, plus the last location DriveStrike recorded. Also tell the police the last place you remember having the laptop.

Does a MacBook report GPS?

No. DriveStrike does not currently capture GPS on MacBooks. Mac reporting uses the IP address and is recorded once a day.