Frequently Asked Questions

What is Backstopp?
Backstopp allows organisations and individuals to ensure the secure deletion of data and files on any PC or Laptop that is lost or stolen utilising either the GSM (mobile) network, Internet or RFID.

Why would my organisation need Backstopp?
With the proliferation of mobile working and working from home schemes, more and more data is being carried on laptops.  Much of this is encrypted, which is a good start, but if that laptop or PC is stolen, can you be 100% certain the data is secure and never accessed?  Other data to be considered are connection details into the organisations network, cookies, emails and downloaded files.  Backstopp gives you the peace of mind that the data has been securely deleted through sophisticated reporting and delivery tools.  Ensuring the organisation complies with legislation relating to data protection.

Is Backstopp only available for GSM enabled laptops?
Backstopp is able to securely delete data on any laptop machine. If the machine doesn’t have built in GSM functionality it is able to use the internet to issue the command.

Is Backstopp only available for Laptops?
Although primarily aimed at laptops and mobile data, Backstopp can be used on desktop machines.  Desktop machines can use either the internet or our complementing RFID solution to issue the command.

My data is encrypted, why do I need Backstopp?
Encryption is a very useful tool for protecting your the data. However, do you encrypt everything? Have you encrypted your email? Have you encrypted the attachment from the Sales Director you downloaded? How about cookies which provide access to your hosted email or sales tools such as Gmail or Salesforce.com? Could the thief access your internal network via a VPN connection from your machine? It isn’t just the encrypted data on the machine that is at risk. Everyday we download and access web sites without thinking about their security. All these factors can be as important and damaging as the data itself. Backstopp gives you 100% peace of mind that any data and means of accessing remote data are removed from the machine.

How is Backstopp licensed?
Backstopp is licensed per registered PC.   A registered PC is a PC that has the correct site details and is communicating with the Backstopp servers.

Can we install the Backstopp server within our organisation?
No.  Backstopp is a hosted service, insuring you can access and destroy laptop data 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Can the data that Backstopp deletes be retrieved?
No.  The data that Backstopp deletes is deleted to the standards expected within the FBI and other government agencies around the world.  This ensures even if thieves try to retrieve the data, they won’t be able too. 

Can we retrieve this data for use within the organisation?
We are able to offer a backup solution that allows you to access the last backup of the data on that machine.  Please talk to our sales team.

What data can be securely deleted?
Backstopp can securely delete any data format you wish.  The Backstopp client is configured to delete all files which have the same file extension.

Can employee’s at Backstopp see what data I have?
No.  Backstopp does not audit your PC.  The only time we communicate with the device is when we need too.  No data is sent back to Backstopp until a theft is reported and Backstopp produces a report of deleted files and a photo.

Can employees at Backstopp see what I am doing?
No.  Backstopp runs in the background, only communicating with our servers to see if the laptop has been reported.

How secure is the Backstopp?  Can anyone trigger a secure delete?
Backstopp utilises multiple levels of security to ensure that only authorised personnel can execute a secure deletion.  This can be customised to your needs.

I do a lot of travelling.  What happens if my laptop is lost out of the UK?
Backstopp will be able to securely delete your data wherever it is in the world once it is available on a GSM network or connected to the internet.

What are the requirements for Backstopp?
Backstopp will operate on Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista operating systems.

How do I install Backstopp?
Backstopp can be installed using the simple MSI installer available.  This can be distributed through the entire organisation through traditional deployment methods and be included in any standard images within the organisation.

If I have a GSM Card, will Backstopp interfere with my connection to the Internet?
No. Backstopp does not effect you connection to the internet through the GSM card.

Do I have to be on a specific GSM provider for Backstopp to work?
No. Backstopp is independent of networks and will work on any GSM mobile network.  In order for Backstopp to function abroad using GSM, you need to ensure that you have International roaming enabled.

What should I do when my laptop or PC is stolen?
As soon as you realize your laptop stolen, notify your Backstopp operator.  They will be able to issue the theft message.  

How long does it take for me to know if the data has been deleted?
This depends on when the laptop is switched on.  The instruction to delete your files and data remains until Backstopp can confirm the secure deletion of the data and files. 

What happens if my laptops GSM card doesn’t connect or is removed?
If this were the case, say in a poor reception area, Backstopp would utilise any available internet connection to communicate with our servers. 

Where is my data stored?
Backstopp is hosted in a secure hosting facility with guaranteed 100% up time. Allowing Backstopp users to kill a devices sensitive data, any time of day, any time of the year. 

How can I purchase Backstopp?
Simply complete one of our request information forms on this web site and a BackStopp account manager will contact you shortly.