VA Secretary Announces Remediation Measures

Veterans Affairs Department Jim Nicholson announced today that his Department has contracted with Systems Made Simple Inc to encrypt all of the Department's laptop computers and portable electronic devices using GuardianEdge and Trust Digital technology. "Nicholson has also directed advanced enterprise encryption solutions to be explored as a follow-on to the laptop and desktop encryption program, including all VA servers and data centers." These actions are directed at remedying the problems identified when an unencrypted VA laptop and storage device, including personal data on 26.6 million veterans, was stolen in May 2006. The stolen laptop subsequently was recovered and the FBI has concluded that the personal data was not misused.