Disk Drive Destruction Policy Better Than Getting Fired

Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson, has acknowledged three firings associated with the theft of a Veteran Affairs laptop computers, containing personal information on over 26 million current or former members of the U.S. military. Nicholson said that he has fired the employee who had the computer stolen.

He said that other personnel actions were also taken. "The acting assistant secretary was let go," Nicholson said, "and the deputy assistant secretary has been let go."

In addition, Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson on June 8 called for criminal penalties for VA personnel who fail to secure protected personal information.

Protection of data by destroying the hard drive is a small price to pay to keep your job, as well as protection of the personal and confidential data of the veterans.