Secure Yourself Online

Wonderful.  Yet another government computer is stolen out
from under the authorities noses.Supposedly this computer
was supposed to be encrypted, however- statistics show that only
30 percent of computers required to be encrypted by law- are encrypted.
So chances are that the thief stole this laptop from the back of
ANOTHER admin’s car, and instantly picked up thousands of social security
numbers. But that’s not the worst of it- 26 computers or computer were reported
stolen, while over 5,500 can no longer be “Tracked”.
Just freaking wonderful.
The “Official” Press report follows:
A laptop stolen from TVA contained Social Security numbers and reflects
generally inadequate policies and procedures for tracking computers at
the agency, according to the TVA Inspector General.

The laptop was one of approximately 26 computer and computer-related
items stolen from TVA between May 26, 2006, and Nov. 30, 2007, according
to the IG, although the report stated it was unclear whether sensitive
information was present on any of the laptops or PCs stolen from TVA.

TVA spokesman Jim Allen said TVA officials did not have information late
Thursday on how many people were involved in the breach, who they were
or whether the information had been used in any fraudulent activities.

According to the IG, since TVA rolled out an inventory system for its
computers in August 2004, called the HP Service Desk, TVA has been
unable to track more than 5,550 computers. “The inability to adequately
track, as well as the lack of encryption, on these computers increases
the risk for the disclosure of sensitive or restricted information,” the
report [1] stated.