Earlier this month, a laptop was stolen from the Cornell University. The stolen laptop contained the names and Social Security numbers for current and former students 22.546 and 22.731 teachers and staff members. In violation of the policy of Cornell, the laptop was left in a precarious physical environment, and the names and Social Security numbers are not encrypted. New York State Police have launched an investigation to find the thief and recover the laptop. Cornell offers credit monitoring and restoration services free identity theft for those whose identities were compromised.
lost or stolen laptops are a leading cause of data breaches. Although the missing computer does not contain a database of sensitive personal data of data, in the wrong hands, it can be scoured for useful information that puts the owner at risk. For tips on how to mitigate this risk, see our guide "How to deal with a laptop lost or stolen." And see our reviews and comparison chart for more information on credit monitoring and protection services against identity theft.