What is a recommended practice regarding laptops that contain PHI or PII?

The recommended practice of never leaving laptops unsecured in an unattended vehicle is crucial for safeguarding sensitive data, such as Protected Health Information (PHI) and Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Laptops can be easily stolen, and if they contain PHI or PII, this can lead to significant data breaches and legal ramifications for organizations, as well as compromising the privacy of individuals.

Leaving a laptop in an unattended vehicle creates an opportunity for theft. Even when a vehicle is locked, it does not guarantee protection against determined thieves. By ensuring that laptops containing sensitive information are never left unsecured in such settings, employees can actively contribute to maintaining data security and privacy.

Other practices, while they may seem prudent, do not offer the same level of protection as securing laptops in a controlled and safe environment. For instance, leaving laptops in locked vehicles, only using them at work, or taking them home might still expose them to unnecessary risks and does not account for the dangers posed by theft in public places. Hence, the emphasis on never leaving laptops unsecured in an unattended vehicle aligns closely with best practices for data protection.