Lack of encryption brings breach blunder

Legal Aid Society of San Mateo recently notified 3,200 clients that their protected health information was compromised after 10 unencrypted laptops containing clients’ Social Security numbers, medical data, names and dates of birth were reported stolen. This is another case highlighting the importance of device encryption in protecting personal data. Many HIPAA-covered entities and business associates forgo encryption due to the costs involved, but the potential consequences of a breach make it worth the investment.