"If you lose your computer, you lose the machine, but more important for most users is that the machine contains an invaluable amount of data," Phoenix's Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Gaurav Banga, told NewsFactor. "FailSafe is a mechanism by which the owner of a personal computer can continue to exercise command and control over the computer even when it is not in their possession."

When a computer that contains FailSafe is purchased, the consumer adds it to the FailSafe system. FailSafe works through a password-protected, Web-based console that allows users to exert control remotely. From there, Banga said, "You can see where your computer is, and you can reach out to it" and delete files, disable it temporarily, or simply turn it into a brick. Different manufacturers will offer different FailSafe capabilities.

Enhancing Existing Technologies

With new-generation notebooks including GPS, Banga said a stolen machine could even triangulate its location and display on a Google Map the next time it's connected to a network . Or it could snap a picture of the thief with its webcam and that could be made available to law enforcement.

Like other hard-drive manufacturers, Seagate already offers Seagate Secure Technology that provides encryption at the drive level. Banga said with the manufacturer agreements, FailSafe will protect the encryption keys and ensure that only the authorized user can access them.

In the event that a hard drive is removed or a new operating system installed, FailSafe will continue to protect the data and not release the keys, Banga said, because it is inaccessible, running "at the very basic firmware level, almost the soul of the machine," below the operating system.

The Long Road Ahead

Banga said he hopes the availability of FailSafe in new hard drives will be marketed like home-protection companies deter thieves by putting signs in front of homes with a security system, making them a less attractive target. But the company faces fierce competition in the theft-recovery and data-protection market.

Absolute Software also works with Seagate to manage encryption keys and pre-boot authentication, said John Livingston, CEO of Absolute Software. The company produces the LoJack for Laptops tracking system that is embedded in the BIOS of computers manufactured by companies like Lenovo, Dell and HP .

"Phoenix will need to convince PC OEMs to add their security technology to notebook builds before they can deliver on any of their promises or launch their product into the market," Livingston said. With Absolute's security product already built into an estimated 70 million notebooks, that may be tough for Phoenix -- but this kind of competition is sure to give consumers a restful night's sleep.