No Signs of ID Theft in Missing Census Laptops

The Commerce Department reports that the Census Bureau has found no evidence of any citizen’s personal data stored on their 249 missing laptop computers being “improperly accessed or used.” The Census Bureau’s laptops were among the 1,138 laptops reported lost, stolen or missing from the Commerce Department’s total inventory of more than 30,000 units.

The missing Commerce Department laptops were reported as part of a congressionally mandated, government-wide review of missing computer equipment.

As a result of its review, the Commerce Department has stated it would implement measures to control future loss of laptops and personal data, including increased employee accountability and disciplinary action.

At an estimated cost of $2,000 each, the laptop computers lost or stolen from the Commerce Department alone represent a cost to taxpayers of more than $2.2 million.

Also See:
Another 1,138 Government Laptop PCs Missing
GAO Warns Commerce Computers at Risk (2001)