Identity Theft Expert and Speaker on Personal Security: Just Two Laptop Thefts Reported on Same Day Left as Many as 328,000 Unique Data Records in Jeopardy
(BOSTON, Mass. – Dec. 13, 2007 – IDTheftSecurity.com) Reports on Dec. 7th of just two laptop computer thefts left as many as 328,000 unique data records in jeopardy of falling into the hands of identity thieves. According to Robert Siciliano, a widely televised and quoted personal security and identity theft expert, laptop thefts are bound to occur, but affordable, robust solutions such as MyLaptopGPS™’s are available that couple Internet-based GPS tracking with remote delete-and-retrieve technology to protect lost machines and the data they hold.
“It’s a large number,” said Siciliano, “but, no matter the number, thefts like these would never make the news if stolen mobile equipment and the data housed on them were properly secured. Plenty of robust, affordable solutions exist, and smart organizations see the need for exhaustive laptop computer security.”
CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com and a member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report’s editorial board, Siciliano leads Fortune 500 companies and their clients in workshops that explore consumer education solutions for security issues. A longtime identity theft speaker and author of “The Safety Minute: 01,” he has discussed data security and consumer protection on CNBC, on NBC’s “Today Show,” FOX News, and elsewhere.
Dec. 7th saw reports of two laptop thefts that together placed 328,000 data records in harm’s way:
The Guardian Unlimited reported the theft of a laptop belonging to the Belfast, U.K.-based bank Citizens Advice, a loss that included the “personal details of up to 60,000 people,” according to the article.
InfoWorld reported the theft of a laptop belonging to Memorial Blood Centers. According to the article, sensitive information on 268,000 Minnesota-based blood donors is housed in the missing machine.
Siciliano pointed organizations that need an affordable, simple solution for laptop security to MyLaptopGPS™.
“Clearly, organizations of all kinds are apt to store highly confidential, sensitive data on mobile computers,” said Dan Yost, chief technology officer at MyLaptopGPS. “The trick is to make sure that information, as well as the machine, is secure. MyLaptopGPS not only tracks the whereabouts of a lost laptop computer, but also allows an owner to control the fate of data on the machine even as it’s still in thieves’ hands.”
MyLaptopGPS combines Internet-based GPS tracking — which, for tracking and retrieving stolen laptops, is more effective than other forms of GPS — with other functionalities to secure mobile computing devices. Users launch MyLaptopGPS’ features remotely, protecting data even while the machine is in a criminal’s hands. Once connected to the Internet, the software silently retrieves, and then deletes, files from machines as it tracks the stolen or missing hardware — at once returning the data to its rightful owner and removing it from the lost computer.
MyLaptopGPS also offers SafeRegistry™, a comprehensive system for inventorying entire fleets of mobile computers, as well as a full line of highly renowned SafeTags™, which are police-traceable property tags designed to secure iPods, cell phones, BlackBerry devices, and other mobile property. A downloadable demo of MyLaptopGPS is available.
The October 2007 issue of Bank Fraud & IT Security Report, a newsletter published only in hard copy, ran “The Seven Layers of Laptop Security,” an article by Siciliano and Yost. A white paper adaptation of that article is available from MyLaptopGPS.
Below, readers may view YouTube video of “NBC 7 Chicago” footage featuring Yost delivering comments for a televised news report that covered the April 2007 theft of two laptops that stored 40,000 Chicago Public School teachers’ Social Security numbers.
According to USA Today, theft of personal data has more than tripled this year. Readers may view video of Siciliano below discussing this news on the new “FOX Business” network. To learn more about identity theft, a major concern for anyone who has been affected by the theft of a laptop computer, readers may go to video of Siciliano at VideoJug.
###
About MyLaptopGPS
Since 1984, Tri-8, Inc. (DBA MyLaptopGPS.com) has specialized in complete system integration. From real-time electronic payment processing software to renowned mid-market ERP implementations, the executive team at MyLaptopGPS has been serving leading enterprises and implementing world-class data systems that simply work. With MyLaptopGPS™, Tri-8, Inc. brings a level of expertise, dedication, knowledge and service that is unmatched. MyLaptopGPS™’s rock-solid performance, security, and reliability flow directly from the company’s commitment to top-notch software products and services for almost 25 years.
About IDTheftSecurity.com
Identity theft affects us all, and Robert Siciliano, CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com and member of the Bank Fraud & IT Security Report’s editorial board, makes it his mission to provide consumer education solutions on identity theft to Fortune 500 companies and their clients. A leader of personal safety and security seminars nationwide, Siciliano has been featured on “The Today Show,” CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, “FOX News,” “The Suze Orman Show,” “The Montel Williams Show,” “Maury Povich,” “Sally Jesse Raphael,” “The Howard Stern Show,” and “Inside Edition.” The Privacy Learning Institute features him on its Website. Numerous magazines, print news outlets, and wire services have turned to him, as well, for expert commentary on personal security and identity theft. These include Forbes, USA Today, Entrepreneur, Woman’s Day, Mademoiselle, Good Housekeeping, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Times, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, United Press International, Reuters, and others.
For more information, visit Siciliano’s Web site, blog, and YouTube page.
The media are encouraged to get in touch with any of the following individuals:
John Dunivan
MyLaptopGPS Media Relations
PHONE: (405) 747-6654 (direct line)
jd@MyLaptopGPS.com
www.MyLaptopGPS.com
Robert Siciliano, Personal Security Expert
CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com
PHONE: 888-SICILIANO (742-4542)
FAX: 877-2-FAX-NOW (232-9669)
Robert@IDTheftSecurity.com
www.idtheftsecurity.com
Brent W. Skinner
President & CEO of STETrevisions
PHONE: 617-875-4859
FAX: 866-663-6557
BrentSkinner@STETrevisions.biz
www.STETrevisions.biz
