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Today’s hybrid work world has made managing and securing a fleet of PCs harder than ever. HP Protect and Trace with Wolf Connect helps by allowing IT to manage and protect remote PCs, even when disconnected from the internet or powered down. The solution uses cellular technology that provides global coverage through a unique HP service, allowing IT to find, lock and erase PCs worldwide.

While digital cyber threats remain extremely serious, laptop theft, which equally endangers sensitive data, is still a reality. HP has chosen to offer an innovative response with its Protect and Trace technology, now also available in the PC world and part of the renowned HP Wolf Security suite[1]. Protect and Trace is a novel, disruptive solution that enables users to find, lock, or even remotely wipe their device if it is lost or stolen. What makes HP’s solution remarkable is its ability to operate even when the computer is completely off — a frequent scenario in cases of loss or theft.

Technically, HP Protect and Trace with Wolf Connect (the full name of the solution) uses cellular technology to provide worldwide coverage through a proprietary service. Two hardware options are available: users can choose between Mobile Broadband (MBB) or Mobile Narrowband (MNB). The components are directly connected to the motherboard and remain active even when the device is powered down,

Currently, the solution is mainly available on business devices, HP EliteBook, HP ProBook and ZBook. HP also offers Protect, a similar, although less advanced, feature for its consumer range.

With the professional solution, in case of theft or loss, the IT administrator can quickly take the necessary measures through a centralised console. They simply log into the console and trigger either a lock or data wipe. The administrator determines the action and can also geolocate the machine.

The lock operates at the hardware level, rendering the device totally unusable — even after a hard drive replacement. This means that even if the HP laptop is stolen and its hard drive swapped, it will remain unusable. The machine is truly blocked at the hardware level.

The solution has been available for over two years and is proving very popular. The solution is generating significant interest among clients, notably in the public sector and particularly in education. Banks, frequent targets of data theft, are also very interested.

[1] HP Wolf Security includes a wide range of advanced technologies designed to protect HP and other manufacturers’ (OEM) devices, printers and computers.

www.hp.com