Mark Whitehead 19 April 2023

Councils disclose 1,500 data breaches

Councils disclose 1,500 data breaches  image
Image: Photon photo / Shutterstock.com.

UK councils have disclosed almost 1,500 data breaches in a year, according to a survey.

Research by encrypted USB drive manufacturer Apricorn also says more than 600 devices including computers and hard drives were lost or stolen in 2022.

The findings come from freedom of information requests answered by 27 councils into the number of data breaches and security of devices held by their employees.

It found that Suffolk County Council alone had 651 incidents in the year up to September 2022, while Warwickshire County Council had 367, North Yorkshire County Council 259 and Essex County Council disclosed 168.

However, the report’s authors say that although the figures seem high, they reveal that the councils are doing the right thing when it comes to disclosing data security incidents.

Jon Fielding of Apricorn said: ‘Data breaches are a daily occurrence, but when local authorities are racking up hundreds in a very short space of time, it’s a definite sign that something is amiss.

‘When the first breach occurs, organisations should be looking to address the cause and rectify this as soon as possible.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner