More government departments losing confidential data
I wonder what the actual IT policy with regards to laptops, Blackberries and other personal data devices and phones is within government departments and semi-state bodies. Back in June last year, the HSE and Bord Gais lost unencrypted laptops containing personal data.
And now, a week or so ago, this story reveals that they’re not the only government organisations to have lost laptops containing personal data:
An investigation by the Irish Independent has found that 51 laptops, 21 BlackBerrys, one Mac computer and two memory sticks have been lost by 19 government departments and their employees since 2008.
Only two government departments — the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs — did not lose any computer data devices since the start of 2008.
For many of us working for functional private organisations, we’re all familiar with data security policies when it comes to anything to do with securing company data. It’s a wonder that the government who has responsibility for the development of data protection laws to protect of all of our data can’t follow their own laws.
Do as we say, not as we do – unfortunately! Read more here about the organisations who aren’t able to protect their data.
