Plan to improve data security published
Gus O'Donnell, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil Service, has published a review of information security in Government, putting in place a new framework for the future.
The review, commissioned by the Prime Minister, sets out the range of actions already taken to improve data security, and outlines what else will be done to improve the rules, culture, accountability and scrutiny of data handling.
Measures already introduced to improve security includes new, stricter guidelines on the handling of sensitive personal data issued by the Cabinet Office, additional security training to 90,000 employees at Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, and the encryption of 20,000 laptops at the Ministry of Defence.
Gus O'Donnell said:
‘Recent data losses and thefts have underlined the need for urgent action to improve data protection right across government and to bring about a fundamental change in culture among those who are entrusted with the public's personal records.’
‘Since November the Civil Service has responded with urgency and vigour to improve data security, and I am proud of all that has been achieved so far. However, I am under no illusion that more still needs to be done to restore public faith in the Government's ability to handle personal information safely.’
‘I believe the measures we are announcing today will ensure that the public can be assured we are taking the necessary measures to keep people's data secure.’
The report can be viewed at:
