Laura Sharman 01 September 2016

Councils report 14% more security breaches in past year

The local government sector reported 202 security breaches to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in the past 12 months, an increase of 14% from the year before.

The figures, compiled by Huntsman Security, shows that healthcare and local government had the highest number of incidents, mainly due to data protection issues. Data accidentally disclosed in error accounted for 64% of all reported breaches in this time period.

Although local councils reported 14% more security breaches in the past 12 months to the ICO, the figures had increased by 88% across all sectors.

Peter Woollacott, CEO of Huntsman Security, said: ‘Unfortunately, this is not the full story. The average organisation is subject to multiple breaches, of which only some will be detected, so the figures reported to the ICO are likely to be understated.’

However, Mr Woollacott did suggest the increase in the number of breaches being reported could mean councils are getting better at identifying security threats.

‘Quite simply, no news is bad news: if breaches aren’t being detected, it most likely just means that security analysts are having difficulty finding the needles in the haystack,’ he said.

Earlier this month, Hampshire County Council was fined £100,000 by the ICO after social care files containing sensitive information about adults and children were discovered in a disused building.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Pre-School/Nursery Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
Pre-School/Nursery AssistantPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Preschool Nursery Assistant - Level 3 Qualified

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
Preschool Nursery Assistant - Level 3 QualifiedPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Trading Standards Project Officer - Tobacco and Vapes

Essex County Council
£26601.0000 - £31295.0000 per annum
Trading Standards Project Officer - Tobacco and VapesFixed Term, Full Time£26,601 to £31,295 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Care Worker - WMF2272e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£34,434 - £35,412
We have an exciting opportunity, for a passionate, enthusiastic person Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Apprenticeships & Intermediate Labour Market Coordinator

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Create real opportunities for local people and help shape a fairer future. As an Apprenticeships and Intermediate Labour Market Coordinator, you'll wo England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Linkedin Banner