< Back to the communications news list
|
Further data breaches highlight info security issues
|
|
As MPs criticised the government over recent data breaches, it emerged that there has been a second breach at HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). It was admitted today that a cartridge containing personal details of some 6,500 pensioners was lost in the tax department's Cardiff office earlier this year. This follows the scandal over HMRC's loss of two discs containing private details, including bank account information, of 25 million people claiming child benefit. And more recently, the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Association admitted that a hard drive containing private data of three million learner drivers was lost by a consultant in the US. This series of data security breaches led to criticism of the government in Parliament. Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson Susan Kramer described the situation as "mind bending" and her Conservative counterpart Theresa Villiers claimed the government is "failing in their duty to obey their own laws on data protection". More importantly for firms, the Financial Services Agency hit insurer Norwich Union with a £1.26 million fine yesterday for failing to provide adequate data security procedures. With such scrutiny over the issue of data protection and the potential for large financial fines, it may be advisable for firms to make sure of the security of their own systems. Azzurri is the leading provider of commercial consultancy and audit services in the communications market, helping organisations reduce and recover costs, optimise delivery and improve management.  |