Staffers to Protect Information
Last year in November, UK’s HM Revenue and Customs lost the personal records of 25 million people. In order to prevent future such losses, they will rely on 37 employees who’s role would be to protect data. According to a parliamentary written answer by Jane Kennedy, financial secretary to the Treasury, quoted by the Register, the goal for the data guardian appointed to each business unit “to strengthen the management of the department’s data assets”.
The information was lost while being transfer through postal services on unencrypted computer disks. How about portable storage devices with encryption? Wouldn’t that be cheaper than paying the salaries of 37 people?
As we can tell from the article published by the Register, other governmental agencies also rely on work force to protect data:
In response to another written question connected to the child benefit data loss, the Department for Work and Pensions said it provides data to the National Audit Office using “rigorous courier arrangements and a requirement that physical transfers of data must have the specific authority of a member of the senior civil service”, according to Anne McGuire, minister for disabled people.
