A Filipino company who develops mobile applications led by National Broadband Network-ZTE deal whistleblower, Engr. Jun Lozada recently launched a cheap phone application that will lock, locate, and erase all the files from the stolen phone remotely.
The application called TARA or Theft Alarm and Recovery Application is the first-ever telco-enabled that acts as a “kil1 switch” for the phone to be unusable for the thieves.
This is the response for the “mobile phone theft experienced by about forty-one percent of the Philippine population” according to Galileo Software Services, Inc.
There are other security software one can download but the TARA is unique because it doesn’t require Wi-Fi access, cellphone load or Internet Data to function.
With just one text message, TARA can unlock, lock, locate and erase all the data inside the phone that’s bbeen stolen. It also makes a sound saying, “Magnanakaw! Magnanakaw!” [Thief! Thief!] to alarm people around and the thieves as well.
For those users who are worrying about their wiped out files, there’s a back-up and restore feature which “allows phone owners to back-up their contacts and restore features even on a different phone.”
Officials from Galileo Software said can upgrade this feature to back-up stored photos, videos and other files in the stolen phone.
Galileo Software, Inc. President Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada said,
“We need to feel safe whenever we go out. This is why we developed TARA. It is like a seatbelt for your mobile phone.”
Lozada added that it took the company about 5 years to develop the application costing P120 million.
According to an article in GMA News Online, for people who wanted to try TARA, Android phone users can go and download the app on Google Play and register basic information.
Then, a FREE 30-day subscription will be availed. If the user wanted to renew their protection, they can choose from P15 weekly, P50 monthly, and P500 yearly.
Mobile phone theft is a rising problem in these days and according to a 2014 report of the National Telecommunications Commission, about 30 smartphones are being stolen by thieves every day.
Well, everyone doesn’t want to lose their hard-earned smartphone to thieves. It really pays to be protected as always.
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Sources:
CNN Philippines
GMA News Online
Filipino Times
photos from Inquirer, TARA, Goodnewspilipinas