If you’re traveling this summer, here’s a tip to keep in mind: Lost and stolen laptops are a common cause of unauthorized disclosure and loss of data at universities.
If your laptop is lost or stolen, resulting in a breach of personal information, Washington state law (RCW 42.56.590) requires notification within 30 days to anyone impacted by the breach. State law considers the type of personal information and whether it was encrypted in determining if the loss is a breach.
More information, including the best practices listed below, can be found in our Securing Laptops Risk Advisory to help you secure personal and UW institutional data on laptops and other mobile devices.
- Update and patch your operating system (OS) and other software.
- Use antivirus software and keep it up to date. Sophos antivirus is free for the UW community.
- Consider encryption for your computers and devices.
- Back up your data and devices in case of theft or a ransomware attack.
- Don’t leave laptops and other devices unattended in public spaces.
- Dispose of devices securely when you no longer need them.
- Review APS 55.1, Mobile Device Use and Allowance Policy, particularly Section 4, for information about your responsibility for UW data on devices, whether they are personally or UW-owned.
See the Securing Laptops Risk Advisory for more tips.