Ministry of Defence
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Sir Edmund Burton report on MoD data loss released
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) today published Sir Edmund Burton's report into the laptops containing the personal details of individuals who expressed interest in joining the Armed Forces.
Sir Edmund Burton, who is chairman of the Information Assurance Advisory Council and supports the Cabinet Office in the implementation of the Government's information assurance strategy, was invited to conduct a full investigation into the circumstances that led to the loss of the data in January 2008 and consider the broader MOD approach to data protection.
Sir Edmund Burton found MOD policies and procedures are generally fit for purpose and cited examples of good practice by the Department, particularly the measures introduced after the loss which were effective in preventing similar damaging losses. But he identified a number of areas where MOD needs to do better in protecting personal data.
The MOD has accepted all of Sir Edmund's 51 recommendations and has prepared a comprehensive action plan to implement them. Published alongside the report, the action plan has drawn on the broader findings of the Cabinet Secretary's Review of Data Handling Procedures in Government, whose final report has also been published today.
Permanent Under Secretary, Bill Jeffrey said:
"The Ministry of Defence is grateful for the effort that Sir Edmund and his team have put into this Review.
"We deeply regret the losses of personal data. We have identified weaknesses within parts of the MOD that led to this situation and I am confident that we are taking the necessary steps to address them.
"I am absolutely determined to make sure that we learn the lessons arising from the loss of this data and that we should do everything possible to make sure that this type of thing does not happen again."
NOTES TO EDITOR
1. Secretary of State for Defence, Des Browne's Written Ministerial Statement can be seen on Hansard http://www.parliament.uk
