Although there are a number of cases reported involving stolen laptops or computers out of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), I continue to be impressed at how many of the thefts involve data that were actually encrypted. It seems like a rarity here to hear that a stolen laptop was encrypted, but perhaps we are just not hearing about those cases here because the covered entities have no obligation to disclose or notify?
Here’s another case out of the UK this week:
A laptop containing confidential information on 2,000 patients was stolen from Broomfield Hospital.
The news has angered the Patients’ Association – a charity helping to give a voice to patients in their dealings with the NHS – amid concerns for the security of patient data held at hospitals.
The computer, which had been through a data encryption process, was taken from an office at the hospital during a burglary.
All the patients whose records were affected have been informed, police are investigating and the Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust has increased security at the site.
Read more on Chelmsford Weekly News.