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Absolute Software Helps Consumers Prevent Identity Theft During Tax Season

Absolute® Software Corporation [1] has released a list of best practices for consumers looking to protect and secure bank account information, identification numbers, and other sensitive data that is stored on their laptops, Absolute Software [1]particularly during tax season.

“Tax season provides cyber-criminals with the perfect opportunity to gain access to the most valuable stolen goods on the market – personal data, including bank account information and social security numbers,” said Mark Grace, vice president of consumer business, Absolute Software. “Through our involvement in laptop theft investigations in 75 countries, we’ve seen countless cases where stolen information was used to open credit cards, withdraw money from bank accounts, or apply for loans. Given the type of information needed to file taxes online, there has never been a better time to make sure that the correct safety precautions are in place.”

With approximately 70 percent of individuals filing tax returns online in 2010 according to the IRS, Absolute recommends that consumers adopt the following security best practices to ensure that personal information stored on computers is protected well beyond this year’s April 30th (18th in the USA) tax filing deadline:

Security best practices combined with a complete software solution that offers remote device protection allows consumers to secure data from all angles. LoJack for Laptops by Absolute Software gives users the confidence that their laptops and information are protected should theft occur. LoJack for Laptops is a software-based theft recovery service that helps users remotely lock, delete, locate and recover stolen devices and the data contained within. With the technology in place, personal information remains protected even when it’s in the wrong hands, allowing users to avoid costly hardware replacements and the fear of identity theft.

For last-minute tax e-filers, Absolute is offering H&R Block at Home Basic Software for free (until April 15th 2011) with the purchase of LoJack for Laptops [5] Premium. Computer owners interested in taking advantage of this offer can do so by visiting the site [6].