Laptop theft puts transplant patients’ information at risk

Sensitive information concerning 1,300 transplant patients at Houston Methodist Hospital was compromised after the theft of a hospital laptop, reports the Houston Chronicle.

The encrypted laptop and files were stolen on Dec. 5, and the hospital reported the breach one day later. Information at risk includes personal information, including names, Social Security numbers and birth dates.

The incident has been reported to the Houston police, although the hospital is conducting its own investigation. Meanwhile, the organization has offered all those affected a one-year free subscription to an identity theft subscription service, according to the Chronicle.

"We sincerely apologize for this incident and we are doing everything we can to protect our patients' private information," the hospital said in a statement.