Increase in Stolen Laptops Endangers Data Security

By ANDREA L. FOSTER

Patrick A. Grant was stolen in April. A thief walked away with a laptop containing the University of Virginia biochemist's name and Social Security number, as well as those of more than 7,000 other professors, staff members, and students. The machine belonged to a university employee who had taken it off campus — and then it was simply taken.

The next month, Mr. Grant discovered that criminals had amassed at least $22,000 in debt under his name.

Mr. Grant believes the