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Stolen laptop contains Chicago ambulance patient info

Individuals who have been transported by Chicago Fire Department ambulances run the risk of identity theft following a laptop theft. But the data appears to have been encrypted.

How many victims? More than 60,000.

What type of personal information? Not disclosed.

What happened? The laptop was taken while in custody of an employee for DeZonia, a firm that does billing for the city's ambulance transports. The thief broke into the employee's car to steal the machine.

What was the response? DeZonia is providing one year of free credit monitoring for victims. Meanwhile, the city is considering punishment against DeZonia.

Details: The laptop was encrypted and password protected, according to the the city's Revenue Department.

Source: wbbm780.com, WBBM newsradio 780, "Been In An Ambulance Lately? Your Identity May Be At Risk," March 19, 2009.

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