Yet, these devices carry an unprecedented amount of sensitive information on them and it is readily accessible to anyone, unless proper steps are taken to secure the data.

While there are many ways for the data to become compromised, the easiest one to prevent is the physical loss of the unit. Now the loss may be the result of theft or the unit could simply be misplaced.

In either case, there are a few simple things that can be done to keep this from happening. First, the PDA can be attached to a lanyard neck chain or carried around in a special holster or vest that keeps it safe and secure on the doctors person at all times. When the unit is taken off to be used at the examining table or bedside, attaching it to an anchor cable secured to an immovable object can prevent the PDA from disappearing.

 Also, you could consider instituting a policy that requires all PDAs to be stored in a secure place when not in use, such as a locked drawer or cabinet can also prevent loss. After measures have been put in place to physically secure the PDA additional precautions can be taken to secure the data contained on the PDA.

All PDAs should be locked up with a Power On passwords; this will prevent unauthorized users getting access to your unit. The PDA can be set to erase the PDA if too many password attempts are made, most of the Blackberry units allow you to do this without any special software other units may require special software such as Bluefire or Teallock.

Along with a Power On password a personal firewall such as those offered by BlueFire Security and Asynchrony help to maintain security on your PDA. Firewalls prevent viruses and hijackers from entering the unit.

This is especially important with Bluetooth enable PDAs. Generally, the Bluetooth broadcasts connectivity at all times, making it easy for others to gain access to your data. For extra safety, you can disable, this allows only previously paired Bluetooth devices from gaining connectivity with your unit.

You can also password protect your paired Bluetooth devices so that unauthorized pieces cannot connect with your device. Security professionals also recommend regularly synchronizing your PDA with your desktop. This removes the sensitive information from the PDA and places it on your desktop.

One last security measure, if you do need to send the unit in for repair, make sure to clear all the data off the unit. The reason, if you possess a good warranty, you may receive a replacement unit for one you send in for repair, your old unit then could be refurbished and resold, with the sensitive or confidential patient information still on it.