B.C. privacy watchdog concerned some organizations are still not encrypting private data

BURNABY (NEWS1130) - The BC Privacy Commissioner's office is investigating a laptop that was stolen from Burnaby Hospital last month that contained personal information of more than 600 patients.

Pat Egan heads up investigations in the Privacy Commissioner's office and says he's been calling for the encryption of these kinds of files for years. He says for the most part, organizations are getting the message, but there are a still a few out there that aren't. "For years now, we've been saying that any portable storage device whether it's a laptop, hard drive or flash drive... if they are taken from the office and they contain personal information, they must be encrypted."

The 635 patients, whose information was stored on the stolen laptop are being advised to monitor their credit card statements. Fraser Health is also offering to cover the cost of a full year of credit monitoring.

A full security review is underway and upgrades are coming.