Is there any worse feeling than having your briefcase or laptop stolen?

While it can be hard to bounce back from such an experience, there are immediate steps you should take  if you discover that confidential client files have been compromised.

1. File a police report.
2. Don’t risk your personal safety. While Find my iPhone and MyLaptopGPS can track lost or stolen mobile devices and laptops, leave the police work to the police.  Do not confront the thief.
3. If your laptop or mobile device is missing or stolen, notify your IT department.
4. Change your network user name and password.
5. Consider changing your user name and password for all accounts – anything you access via the Web.
6. Check lost-and-found if applicable.  Believe it or not, laptops, devices, and briefcases get turned in by honest citizens.  Don’t give up until you try.
7. Monitor Craigslist.  If you believe a thief has posted your property for sale, inform police.
8. Contact your business insurance or liability carrier.  Property, valuable papers, or data breach coverage may cover the cost of replacing your laptop or reconstructing files. Beginning in 2013, the PLF added a Data Breach and Cyber Liability Endorsement to all excess coverage plans. The endorsement provides coverage for information security and privacy liability, privacy breach response services, regulatory defense and penalties, website media content liability, and crisis management and public relations services. Read more here.
9. Inform your clients.  This is never easy, but clients must be informed if confidential information has been compromised. A sample notification letter is available on the PLF website.  Select Practice Management > Forms > Client Relations > “Notice to Clients re Theft of Computer Equipment.”
10. Begin reconstructing your file.  Lawyers who are straightforward about an office break in or theft often find that clients are sympathetic, understanding, and more than willing to help.  With a bit of luck, you should be able to reconstruct most or all of your file from your backup or documents supplied by clients.
11. Going forward, consider storing passwords or other sensitive information in an encrypted password manager.
12. Backup, backup, backup!  Online backup services are a great way to automatically back up your laptop’s data.  Read more about backup protocols and available resources on the PLF website. Select Practice Management > Forms  > Technology > “How to Backup Your Computer.”
13. If the theft occurred during an office break in, reassess building security. Talk to the building owner or property manager about alarms, surveillance, or other measures.
14. Learn more by reading Protect Confidential Files – It Helps!
15. Call your friendly Law Practice Management Advisor for help.