Laptop Theft

Alcatel-Lucent adds support for laptop disk-encryption appliance

Paul Mah — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:19:56 -0400

Alcatel-Lucent has released a new version of its OmniAccess 3500 Nonstop Laptop Guardian, which now works with full hard-disk applications from other vendors. The 3500 is a PCMCIA card with its own processor that runs Linux. Equipped with an integrated 3G modem, GPS, as well as an on-board battery, it must be present for a secured laptop to be used. The independent hardware allows the laptop to be wirelessly tracked and for remote administration to be done from afar, much like a BlackBerry or properly-configured Windows Mobile smartphone. For example, in the event of a stolen laptop, the enterprise IT group is able to remotely wake up the laptop and wipe the disk.

For more about the report:
- check out this Network World article

Hard Disk Crusher is serious about security

Mehan Jayasuriya — Fri, 02 May 2008 12:25:15 -0400

How serious are you about making sure that the secure data stored on your business's hard drives stays out of the wrong hands? Given the recent rash of corporate laptop thefts the last few years, the answer just might be "not serious enough." Well, while it might be overkill, one way to ensure that data cannot be recovered from a discarded drive is to physically destroy the drive itself. Enter the $11,500 EDR Hard Disk Crusher. This machine will drill through any hard drive, ripping the drive's platters apart in order to make data recovery impossible. According to EDR's website, the Hard Disk Crusher can tear through a drive in 10 seconds flat, so it certainly seems like it could be an efficient solution for enterprises with a large backlog of drives to crush.

For more on the disk crusher:
- see this Gearlog article

Technology just one slice of data security pie

Tue, 02 Jan 2007 19:01:37 -0500

Just the thought of experiencing a laptop theft or major data loss--which seemed to occur every few weeks during 2006--has more than a few companies up and running to shore up security and strengthen their end-user policies. Some enterprises are actually revamping their organizational structures to protect the most valuable corporate asset these days: the client's confidential data. As security leaders and experts relate, it's no longer a matter of pouring new technology into the enterprise, it's a matter of building a solid security mindset that reaches every corner of your business.

For more on better data security:
- check out the article at CIO Today

Another laptop goes missing at Boeing

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:01:38 -0500

Boeing has fired an employee that it says was responsible for the theft of a laptop this month and is working with law enforcement to track down the mobile device, as it contains confidential information on nearly 400,000 current and former employees. The laptop data was not encrypted (though it was reportedly password protected), which means the the social security numbers, addresses and other personal data contained therein could end up in the wrong hands. It's the third time a laptop has gone missing from the company and while none have yet been recovered, Boeing claims that none of the missing information has been used for criminal purposes.

For more on the laptop theft:
- read the news at Computerworld

PLUS: Hackers hit Texas university with data theft. Article
Related Article: Starbucks beats Boeing in laptop loss count. Article

Security shored up at VA agency

Mon, 11 Dec 2006 19:01:36 -0500

The much-publicized laptop theft and related data security issues at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs might have been the best thing to ever happen to the federal organization's IT department, as it prompted tech leaders to shore up security, improve processes and overhaul some outdated systems. According to CIO Robert Howard, the agency has made some tremendous inroads in revamping the IT infrastructure, describing the reorg effort as "dramatic."

For more on the agency's security effort:
-read the article at Computerworld

Microsoft moves to secure laptops

Sun, 26 Nov 2006 19:01:35 -0500

Given this year's rash of laptop thefts, the fact that Microsoft's new operating system, Vista, provides an automatic encryption feature for laptop hard drives may prove a compelling selling point when the OS arrives this week. As experts point out, mobile device security solutions abound but having it baked right in--and possibly enhanced with some other third-party tool--is alluring for companies who don't want to end up in the headlines. One analyst says that Microsoft's foray into the mobile security industry could end up weeding out the weaker vendors by spurring increased competition in the field.

For more on the laptop encryption effort:
- read the news at CIO Insight

PLUS: A look at six laptops that won't go up in flames. Article

SPOTLIGHT: Laptop security in three simple steps

Sun, 19 Nov 2006 19:01:34 -0500

Despite a recent article about how road warriors can work without a laptop at their disposal, most of today's mobile staffers still need the device to get their job done. Given the continuing news of laptop thefts and data loss, it's critical to make sure that users know how to best secure and protect their handy mobile PC. There are three simple steps that can make that happen and that can also improve remediation and response if the unthinkable happens. Article

Drive encryption secures laptop data

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 19:01:37 -0500

Any organization with mobile workers is always on the lookout for stronger laptop security, especially given the recent rash of laptop thefts and data breaches that have taken place during the past year. One of the latest tools to hit the market is Seagate's latest encryption technology. The vendor is debuting a new line of hard drives that boast built-in encryption tech that renders information useless to anyone lacking the proper clearance. The tool uses a 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard to protect data on the drive.

For more on the newest laptop security solution:
- check out the news at BusinessWeek

Outsourcers fighting off 'insecurity' label

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 20:01:38 -0400

The Indian outsourcing marketplace is a bit worried that the poor perception about its security issues and data breaches could hurt business and stop U.S.-based companies from sending business overseas. But as some experts note, the number of security incidents with the outsourcing community is much lower than the U.S.-business base. Experts point to the continuing reports of laptop thefts and data bank breaches as evidence that outsourcing remains a more secure IT option.

For more on outsourcing and the security concerns:
- check out the news at CIO Today

University laptop goes missing in home burglary

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 20:01:36 -0400

A burglary at the home of a University of Texas at Arlington employee included the theft of a laptop containing confidential student information. According to police, personal data on 2,500 students was housed on two computers stolen in the home theft. The data included social security numbers, grades and email contact information for computer science and engineering classes from the year 2000 to present.

For more on the latest laptop theft:
- check out the news at the Chron.com