Dell Case Study Sample

Do you ever worry about losing your laptop computer while rushing to catch a flight at a busy airport?

Everyday business travelers are putting the sensitive and confidential data of their organizations at risk when they travel through airports. Sponsored by Dell, Ponemon Institute conducted this study, Airport Insecurity: The Case of Lost Laptops to understand the current risks posed to sensitive and confidential data contained in the laptops of business travelers.

Companies are dependent upon on a mobile workforce with access to information no matter where they travel. However, this mobility is putting companies at risk of having a data breach if a laptop containing sensitive information is lost or stolen. The findings of this study are important in helping companies understand what they should be doing to protect the information on their employees' laptops and to reduce the likelihood that their employees will lose laptops while traveling.

The twofold objectives of this study are:

• To understand how major airports throughout the United States handle laptops that are lost, stolen or missing within their facilities. Our study determines the frequency, prevalence, and airport operating practices concerning lost or missing laptops at security checkpoints, departure gates, airport retail areas, lounges and so forth.

• To assess business travelers' awareness and concern about data loss. For instance, what would they do if they lost their laptop or other portable data-bearing devices? What steps would they take after learning about this loss or theft? What have they done to protect or backup the information they carry?

To accomplish the first phase of this study, we conducted field research at 106 major airports in 46 states to determine the frequency of lost or missing laptops or notebooks at their locations. In addition to laptop loss frequency, we captured information about airport operating practices concerning laptop recovery, reclamation rates, and laptop disposal procedures.

For the second phase of research, we conducted a U.S. nationwide survey involving 864 business travelers in the airport environment. Our survey attempted to determine:

• How frequently do business travelers carry their company assigned laptop or notebook computers?

• Do business travelers carry sensitive or confidential business information on their laptop or notebook computers? If so, what type of sensitive data do their laptops contain and do they take steps to protect the information?

• What steps do business travelers take to secure their laptop or notebook computers they carry and use in public venues?...