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Government staff in the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) have been sending out sensitive data in packages containing passwords that provide access to the information.
An internal email to DWP staff outlining the poor security practices was leaked to influential political blog Dizzy Thinks.
"Staff are… forwarding the data and password on together, which defeats the purpose of the security measure entirely," the email reads.
After HM Revenue and Customs lost the details of 25 million families last year, civil servants were told all information sent between departments had to be password protected with passwords sent separately.
"We have carried out a major review of procedures around the transfer of data to ensure the security of customer information. We expect all managers to monitor the application of our security controls and ensure that the correct action is taken in all cases," said a spokesman for the DWP.
See also:
Act amendments could mean jail terms for losing or trading in data 08 May 2008
Information Commissioner's Office will begin inspections by the end of the year 30 Apr 2008
Office will be given ability to spot check central government 22 Apr 2008All Tags: Hardware, Privacy, Ecrime, Government
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