Eric,
While laptop safety is a new and highly relevant issue of concern it is the people that are ‘losing’ these laptops that are as equally wrongful in their actions as are the thief’s of these machines.
Having personal and protected data on companion devices such as a laptop is a known risk factor for theft or damage. Protocols need to be implemented to safeguard the patient’s data rather than just blaming the thief. I am also aware that we must take tremendous precautions in disposing of ‘old’ machines that had data stored in them. You cannot merely ‘throw away’ old computer software or hardware that contains files. It is very likely that a person with technological expertise can reclaim this data.
If a lap-top is stolen from the vehicle of a car with patient’s data I would be frankly most angry at the person whose car it was stolen from. They are well aware of the risks in today’s society….
Terry Wolstencroft
MBA 4 A Day Consulting