Alberta's Information and Privacy Commissioner Frank Work is issuing a strong reminder to properly encrypt digital devices that contain sensitive data. Work's message comes after seven laptops and other systems were stolen in the past month.
"Encryption technology is pretty much commonplace, and it's irresponsible that an organization would allow this stuff out the door, without ensuring it's protected," said Work.
Work says organizations that fail to properly encrypt digital devices cause many to worry to about the potential for I.D. theft.
Five of seven security breaches happened in the Edmonton area. A digital camera and laptop with employee information were stolen from Alberta Sustainable Resources.
A marketing company compromised employee information after a device was left at the airport. The information of 2,700 patients was put at risk during at study at the University of Alberta. And the financial security of more than 100 people was breached after a laptop was stolen from a trust company.
The commissioner feels the recent thefts should prompt organizations to do a better job at setting proper standards for protection of personal information. Work says most of the stolen devices were password protected, but says that level of security is very easy for hackers to breach.
Service Alberta says right now about 40 per cent of the government's 6,000 laptops meet the standard. The goal is to have the rest done by 2012.
The law in Alberta requires businesses to notify the Commissioner when personal information is lost.
With files from Jessica Earle
