25m UK records lost on 2 discs!

[Parris]

If you live in the UK and are being paid child benefits of any kind it might be an idea to check your bank account details in the coming months.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7103566.stm

Yet another bewildering security lapse. :-(

''.....The HMRC has set up a Child Benefit Helpline on 0845 302 1444 for customers who want more details....''

[DRussian]

This sounds like a believable yarn spun to keep the money for awhile, interest anyone ;-)

But on the real why was there no backed up copies of this data and why on earth would you not send this with some kind of tracking.

[Parris]

Oh, don't get me wrong the DATA is still okay, it's still held by the Child Benefits department. The problem is that copied data was sent via TNT without ANY tracking. Now that it's missing the possibility of identity theft is incredibly high. It could take many months for it to become apparent that random individuals have started to be targetted.

[DRussian]

They`ll probably turn in the right place in a couple of weeks probably been unscathed, just another postal service mystery.

The financial details of 7.25 million families, take a couple of quid from each account and you`re all set. I love the talk of human error, It`s stupidity.

It does say copy in the article but it wasn`t 100% clear that these weren`t the only copies and as they were dispatched in such a careless manner it wouldnt suprise me if they had been the only copies.

*Edit* Just watched some footage from the HoC on the news, the Tories are of course questioning the current govt`s competency, calling for them to "get a grip"

[Alchy]

It wasn't TNT, Parris, it was internal post. Most office workers will do this all the time at work, I know I do... but then, we aren't handling such unbelievably sensitive data. I'd call intern stupidity if I had to guess who's to blame. As an aside, I think the public would be shocked if they were aware of how lax government offices are, speaking from the perspective of access to digital records and databases - let's just say that they place a level of trust in IT staff that scares me.

And of course they aren't the only copies; when you make a disc the data has to come from somewhere. The only copy of 25 million records? On one set of optical discs? I think that's stretching the level of doubt over competency a little far.

[Tomcat]

TNT runs the internal mail company.

[opethfan]

For the x-th time I'm glad I'm not in the UK anymore.

I am equally unglad that I was born there, and that records of my family are most likely among those lost. I sincerly hope that as I no longer live in Britain, Big Brother Brown will spare me from his ID card scheme. I don't want my details in the hands of terrorists, or frausters (aka Labour).

[Parris]

For the x-th time I'm glad I'm not in the UK anymore.

I am equally unglad that I was born there, and that records of my family are most likely among those lost. I sincerly hope that as I no longer live in Britain, Big Brother Brown will spare me from his ID card scheme. I don't want my details in the hands of terrorists, or frausters (aka Labour).

The Conservatives went through Gordon Brown PM during PM Question Time today, like a does of salts! It seriously puts doubts on Parliament & the public accepting the pathetic ID card scheme. Watch this space!

[Taucias]

I would be amazed if the data wasn't heavily encrypted.

[Parris]

I would be amazed if the data wasn't heavily encrypted.

Well be amazed then as it wasn't lol

[Parris]

I love this: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=290184203092

Read the questions from other members at the bottom as well, hilarious given the situation.

This is particular:

Q: Would you consider part exchange for these discs? I'm afraid I can't offer much in the way of cash as my future employment status looks a bit grim at present, but my boss Gordy can offer you a peerage or even free school dinners for life. Thanks NOTE TO SECRETARY: PLEASE ENSURE MY REAL NAME DOES NOT APPEAR ON THIS EMAIL WHEN SENDING, THANKS. ALISTAIR DARLING

A: As everyone's employment prospects are as dismal as yours, you argument carries little weight. However, the peerage is tempting. Please feel free to phone me to discuss this.