New research from Symantec claims the average value of the data stored on a notebook computer "exceeds £500,000".

The survey - which was conducted through 1,700 interviews across Europe, the Middle-East and Africa - saw 78 per cent of portable computer users say that the data on their device is of substantial value in terms of intellectual property or commercially sensitive information. The average estimated value was £550,000. Some respondents claimed that their mobile device was worth as much as £5 million.

Symantec also revealed that just 42 per cent of companies automatically back up employees email on laptops, while 45 per cent actually leave backup to the users themselves.

Source: Macworld UK