Columbia University offers Identity Theft Protection Services after Laptops with Personal Data Stolen

Mid January, 2010, Columbia University reported that some 1,400 current, former, and prospective students to Columbia University had their information saved on laptops that were stolen from the Columbia College office.

A statement was sent out to all of those affected, even though the stolen laptops were password protected. Considering the information stored on the laptops was highly sensitive, including Social Security numbers and the like, they have decided to offer identity theft protection services to all those whose data is at risk. In the meantime, a criminal investigation is underway to attempt to obtain the laptops back and arrest those involved with the theft occurrence.