Commerce Department Loses 1,137 Laptops

Posted on September 25th, 2006 by ElectroGeek

There have been several instances involving data loss at U.S. Federal agencies. The latest instance announced by the Department of Commerce revealed that 1,137 laptops have been lost, stolen or missing since 2001. The loss was discovered during a department wide review that was a result of Congressional and public inquires.

The Census Bureau appears to be responsible for the majority of the missing hardware and corresponding data. 249 of the laptops contained personally identifiable information (PII). The agency said in a statement that passwords, complex database software, systemic safeguards and/or encryption technology limits the possibility that data was accessed or misused.

A separate review revealed 297 instances of loss or compromised sensitive personal information between 2003 and today which include 217 laptops, 15 handheld devices and 46 thumbdrives. The remaining data involved documents or other materials. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez said the agency will move to improve management, accountability, inventory controls, encryption and training.

Technorati Tags: us department of commerce, lost laptops, government investigation, commerce dept, census bureau, security, data loss