Yes, that’s the number released by a recent study sponsored by Dell (see pdf).
Here’s a great video that shows how easy it can be. I admit it’s a bit outdated but it still makes a point:
While it has to be said that this number also includes about 70%-80% lost laptops estimated to be retrieved by their rightful owners (see Wall Street Journal), it still means that temporarily a complete stranger potentially has physical access to those laptops. Wouldn’t you freak out knowing that your data could be accessed by those people? Even if it’s “just” some personal emails or pictures of your family. Why not secure it? Chances are, your address can be discovered, too, and maybe even your phone number…. Get where I’m going? Digital identity theft à la carte.
That’s where encryption comes in. For a few bucks your data, passwords, and emails can be securely encrypted and locked away from unauthorized users. That way, you know at least that the person with access to your hardware will not be able to access your files and information.
