3 Steps to Protect Confidential Data on Laptops: Guidelines to Secure Data Before and After a Laptop Is Stolen or Missing

The protection of confidential data on laptops is a top priority both for corporations and government agencies today. In 2005, laptop theft alone accounted for 33% of reported data breach events. From 2005 to 2006 there was an 81% increase in the number of companies reporting stolen laptops containing sensitive information. The impact of stolen or missing laptops is no longer merely the capital loss. More important is the unsecured customer data and intellectual property stored on the computers may result in millions of dollars in customer notification costs, compliance fines and loss of competitive advantage, as well as brand damage. This paper outlines specific steps to help secure confidential data and minimize the impact of data loss resulting from stolen or missing laptops.