A method of communicating between a portable computing device and a host computer is provided. The method typically includes storing a responsive action to be taken in the event that the portable computing device becomes missing. Typically, the responsive action is stored at a location accessible by the host computer, such as on an associated database. The method also includes registering the portable computing device as having a missing status, establishing contact between the portable computing device and the host computer via a communication network, and instructing the portable computing device to take the responsive action. The method may include before registering the portable computing device as having a missing status, receiving a report from an interest holder in the portable computing device that the portable computing device is missing, and storing the missing status in a database associated with the host computer. The responsive action may be retrieving or deleting data from the portable computing device, restricting user access to the portable computing device, and/or tracking the location of the portable computing device.