MoD Reveals Data Loss Extent Posted on July 21st
3:20pm UK, Friday July 18, 2008
121 USB sticks containing sensitive information have been lost or stolen from the Ministry of Defence since 2004, including five containing information classified as ’secret’.
The full extent of the data loss is still unknown
The MoD has not yet revealed the extent of the information lost.
These figures were released in response to a Parliamentary question from Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Teather on data loss in the MoD.
Ms Teather said: “It seems that this Government simply cannot be trusted with keeping sensitive information safe. It is frightening to think that secret MoD information can be lost or stolen.
“This shows a shocking degree of incompetence across the entire Government.
“How can they expect us to trust them to keep our personal information safe in their unnecessary and expensive ID card scheme?”
Responding to the figures an MoD spokesman said: “Any loss of data is investigated fully.
“A recent report on data losses by Sir Edmund Burton found that MoD policies and procedures are generally fit for purpose but also identified a number of areas where MoD needs to do better in protecting personal data.
“The MoD has developed, and is now working through an Action Plan to address all of the report’s Recommendations and bring the Department’s handling of personal data to an acceptable state.”