Theft of IT equipment, accessories, software or data results not only in the expense of having to replace the equipment or to restore it to working order, but also in losses resulting from lack of availability. In addition, loss of confidentiality and the results of this can be damaging.
As well as expensive IT systems, mobile IT systems which are easy to transport inconspicuously are often targeted for theft.
Examples
During the spring of 2000 a Notebook disappeared from the US State Department. In an official statement the possibility that the device contained confidential information could not be excluded. Nor was it known whether the machine was protected against unauthorised access by encryption or other means. A warning had already been issued during security investigations about inadequate security checks.
In a German government agency several break-ins occurred through the same unprotected windows. In addition to other valuables some mobile IT systems disappeared. It was not possible to determine whether any documents had been copied or tampered with.
