U-Kentucky: Encryption Started Before Theft

A program at the University of Kentucky to encrypt UK HealthCare laptops and other portable media was underway before an unencrypted laptop was stolen in June, according to a spokesperson.

The university in recent days began notifying 2,027 individuals of the breach. The laptop was used in a newborn screening program (see story). Identifying and encrypting mobile devices is a continuing process, says the spokesperson. She did not know if the process now is being accelerated.

There is no evidence the password-protected data on the laptop has been accessed and the university at this time is not offering free credit and identity theft protection. That decision is subject to change, but was made because the laptop was part of a "grab and dash" theft where the thief stole several items, "so it wasn't taken for its data," according to the spokesperson.

--Joseph Goedert