Dave Nelson, NASA s deputy chief information officer, is like most federal managers when it comes to issuing agency employees laptops. Stolen data and lost laptops top his list of concerns. Not only can someone steal the data off a laptop, but information security managers must also worry about protecting files during the transmission between the laptop and an agency s internal network. Technology can solve these issues, but there is one thing that can never be guaranteed. We are most concerned about loss and theft.
Laptops are fairly attractive targets.
The space agency also is considering theft-deterrent tools, he said. In general, such tools include locks that secure the laptop to a desk and secure briefcases. NASA also has limited access to agency-issued laptops to those who really need them, such as employees who travel frequently and those who need to work at home. The Cummings bill, which would give just about every government employee a laptop, could make managing the risk a lot more complex for IT managers, Nelson said. Industry is devising security solutions, specifically for the home computer user and mobile worker.