Thomas Bridge 05 December 2014

Data breaches costing local government millions, FOI reveals

Data breaches have cost local government over £2.3m in fines since 2010, with council organisations named some of the worst for protecting confidential information.

A Freedom of Information request sent to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) by Egress Software Technologies has revealed £470,000 worth of fines for data breaches was levelled at local government between April 2013 and June of this year.

The three months to June 2014 saw 9% more data breaches in local government than over the same period last year. However central government experienced a growth in breaches by over one-third.

Research suggests that local government is one of the worst organisations in the public sector for protecting confidential data, with only the NHS experiencing more data breaches.

Human error accounted for 93% of all reported data breaches across both the public and private sector over the first three months of 2014. A quarter was down to the accidental loss or destruction of personal data, up from 15% for the second half of 2013.

Only 7% of charted breaches over the same period came as a result of technical failings, the research suggests.

‘The upward trend in the number of data breaches throughout key areas of the public sector should be a cause for continued concern. These organisations are handling particularly sensitive information, with local government providing services direct to and on behalf of citizens, many of whom are vulnerable or at-risk,’ CEO of Egress Software Technologies, Tony Pepper, said.

‘To date, the ICO has levied in access of £6.7m in fines. It is alarming to see that well over half of that, indeed £4.5m, is coming from the public sector alone.

‘In particular, local government has contributed over one-third to this total. Not only are these organisations and bodies responsible for handling citizens’ data, their malpractice is being paid for by the public pocket.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Finance Business Partner

West Northamptonshire Council
£49587 to £52860
Are you ready to take on a role where your financial expertise makes a real difference? We’re looking for a motivated and commercially minded Finance Business Partner to join our team, with a focus on housing and temporary accommodation. This opportunit Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Senior HR Adviser

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO4 - £47,532 to £50,574
We’re entering an exciting new chapter. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Customer Service Officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band C SCP 5-8 (£25,583- £26,824 per annum)
We are looking to recruit for a Customer Service Officer to join an established team at Sandwell Libraries Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

BCF Lead Projects Officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band F, SCP26 - 31 (£37,280 - £41,771) per annum
Are you passionate about empowering vulnerable adults and helping them lead independent, safe, and dignified lives? Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Senior Cleansing Technician x 2 Posts (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 6, £25,989 - £28,142
Do you enjoy working outside, as part of a team that make a direct difference to the communities of Doncaster? Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner