Not only do government laptops disappear, firearms do, too.

I read an Associated Press article by Matt Apuzzo, in which he shared at least some good news on the security front. Even though just last week I wrote about a laptop having been stolen from the trunk of a medical researcher's car - a laptop that contained the personal information of thousands of study participants - one agency at least has seen a 50 percent reduction in laptop thefts. I had to laugh (even though it's really not funny) when I learned that they're losing more guns however! I'm not sure that's a trade I'm in favor of.

To add insult to injury, the DEA wasn't able to even identify what information was contained on 226 of 231 lost or stolen laptops. I have to agree with the follow-up report cited in the article - it is more certainly a "significant failure". I'm not surprised that officials didn't regularly report the thefts - it doesn't make for very good press.

On the bright side, DEA spokesman Garrison Courtney is quoted in the aforementioned associated press article as saying, "The DEA has made significant improvements in its rate of loss for laptops. In those instances where weapons were lost or stolen, appropriate disciplinary actions were taken by DEA." Seeing a colleague getting "disciplinary action" may be incentive enough to get otherwise lax individuals to toe the line.

As far as firearms gone missing - 22 lost and 69 stolen over a five and half year period, including pistols, rifles, shotguns and even a submachine gun - the situation is a lot like when laptops end up gone: they're left (contrary to official policy prohibition) in a vehicle! The DEA did offer a written response where they noted that they already have taken steps to improve reporting and also now encrypt all laptops that contain sensitive information. I like it when these types of reports bring about needed change.