More data losses
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As I left last year, the MOD have no record of who I am, so couldn't tell me if I was affected by the Innsworth data theft.
If the reports I've seen are correct, this most recent loss only affects currently serving personnel and those that applied to join recently.
Suddenly I glad that they no longer know who I am!
N Joe
If the reports I've seen are correct, this most recent loss only affects currently serving personnel and those that applied to join recently.
Suddenly I glad that they no longer know who I am!
N Joe
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Joe, be realistic. The present loss concerns 100 000 present members of the Services - ie the whole of the Navy and the whole of the Air Force and then some or the whole of the Army.
It also includes 800 000 applicants or the equivalent of 4% of the entire British labour force (of all ages). That certainly means it is not just those that applied recently.
It also includes 800 000 applicants or the equivalent of 4% of the entire British labour force (of all ages). That certainly means it is not just those that applied recently.
Join Date: May 2004
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Mod Statement
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As an ex-member of HM forces, I am not too concerned with the loss of the personal reports (6442 in my day) which usually started with something like “He does not get as much value for money from the barber as he used to”, but I am concerned that no one has contacted me about lost data which could include details of where I live. I am led to believe that there is now a minister for veterans; he has not been round to see me either!
I note that the advert at the bottom of this page is for memory sticks; is that just a coincidence or targeted advertising?
I note that the advert at the bottom of this page is for memory sticks; is that just a coincidence or targeted advertising?
Join Date: Apr 2008
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No, it's still here. If anyone else is having difficulties accessing MoD's latest fairy story, the whole spiel is below (a direct copy of the webpage).
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Defence
News Article
MOD issues update on missing EDS hard disk
A Defence Policy and Business news article
10 Oct 08
The Ministry of Defence has released an update on a missing EDS hard disk, as follows, on the evening of 10 October 2008:
Ministry of Defence
EDS, an MOD IT contractor, has reported that it can not identify the whereabouts of a portable hard disk drive. The device had been used with the TAFMIS recruitment system and may, in the worst case, contain details relating to individuals who have either expressed an interest or applied to join the Armed Forces.
An investigation is being conducted by the MOD Police and EDS, and it is still hoped that the item can be located at another secure site. There is no indication that the data, if indeed it has fallen into unauthorised hands, has been exploited maliciously in any way; but it is possible that personal information on anyone serving or who has served in recent years in the Armed Forces may have been compromised. But we would emphasise that our assessment of the risk of misuse of this data is low, given the circumstances of this incident.
The information held will not be the same for every individual. In some cases, for casual enquiries, the record will be no more than a name and contact details. But, for those who progressed as far as submitting an application to join the Forces, more extensive personal data may be held, including passport details, National Insurance numbers, drivers’ licence details, family details, doctors’ addresses and National Health Service numbers.
With regard to those individuals for whom financial details may have been held on the database, the MOD is taking action, through APACS (the Association for Payment Clearing Services), to inform banks so that relevant accounts can be flagged for scrutiny against unauthorised access.
Anyone concerned that they may have been on the database can get in touch via email – [email protected] – or via a helpline (0800 121 6213). For those phoning from overseas, the number is +44 (0) 207 353 9111. This will be available from 1000 to 1600 on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October, and 0900 to1700 during the normal working week thereafter.
Defence News
in this section:
Data Handling Procedures in Government Report into the Loss of MOD Personal DataDefence News Blog
Related News
MOD agrees data action plan after laptop lossBrowne announces review on MOD information security
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DefenceNews Article
MOD issues update on missing EDS hard disk
A Defence Policy and Business news article
10 Oct 08
The Ministry of Defence has released an update on a missing EDS hard disk, as follows, on the evening of 10 October 2008:
Ministry of DefenceEDS, an MOD IT contractor, has reported that it can not identify the whereabouts of a portable hard disk drive. The device had been used with the TAFMIS recruitment system and may, in the worst case, contain details relating to individuals who have either expressed an interest or applied to join the Armed Forces.
An investigation is being conducted by the MOD Police and EDS, and it is still hoped that the item can be located at another secure site. There is no indication that the data, if indeed it has fallen into unauthorised hands, has been exploited maliciously in any way; but it is possible that personal information on anyone serving or who has served in recent years in the Armed Forces may have been compromised. But we would emphasise that our assessment of the risk of misuse of this data is low, given the circumstances of this incident.
The information held will not be the same for every individual. In some cases, for casual enquiries, the record will be no more than a name and contact details. But, for those who progressed as far as submitting an application to join the Forces, more extensive personal data may be held, including passport details, National Insurance numbers, drivers’ licence details, family details, doctors’ addresses and National Health Service numbers.
With regard to those individuals for whom financial details may have been held on the database, the MOD is taking action, through APACS (the Association for Payment Clearing Services), to inform banks so that relevant accounts can be flagged for scrutiny against unauthorised access.
Anyone concerned that they may have been on the database can get in touch via email – [email protected] – or via a helpline (0800 121 6213). For those phoning from overseas, the number is +44 (0) 207 353 9111. This will be available from 1000 to 1600 on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October, and 0900 to1700 during the normal working week thereafter.
Defence News
in this section:
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Data Handling Procedures in Government Report into the Loss of MOD Personal DataDefence News Blog
Related News
MOD agrees data action plan after laptop lossBrowne announces review on MOD information security
Join Date: Oct 2005
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Back in 2006 I mentioned on this site that the JPA System had a couple of security issues. However when I left earlier this year they still had not carried out the necessary security upgrades required to ensure the integrity of data.
I laugh at how I was treated in regard to the whole sorry affair.
The shocking lack of understanding of Data Security by EDS and the MOD is a farce of the highest British proportions.
They treat the Data Protection Act as a tool to slap the operator down with but do not pay it due and proper consideration when the requirement is on them.
But until they (we) stop buying the cheapest option, which includes employing monkies and hiding behind process that are inadequate for the task and no accountability (not just shooting the lowest rank present), we will continue to have these issues and them being aired in the press.
I laugh at how I was treated in regard to the whole sorry affair.
The shocking lack of understanding of Data Security by EDS and the MOD is a farce of the highest British proportions.
They treat the Data Protection Act as a tool to slap the operator down with but do not pay it due and proper consideration when the requirement is on them.
But until they (we) stop buying the cheapest option, which includes employing monkies and hiding behind process that are inadequate for the task and no accountability (not just shooting the lowest rank present), we will continue to have these issues and them being aired in the press.
Join Date: Sep 2000
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I don't even think our specialists have a proper understanding of what is meant by computer sy. One of my colleagues was told he couldn't keep a Service laptop at home over the weekend prior to taking it abroad on duty on the Monday morning (very early). Before being permitted to do so, the feds would need to conduct a survey of his house. As if that weren't mad enough, one of the additional concerns was that the laptop (which was cleared up to REST only) was fully encrypted (BeCrypt), which meant this would make it a greater target so it would need even more protection.
By the way, I advise anyone out there who has a work laptop to make sure it is encrypted. It really isn't that difficult to use, and will genuinely protect YOU if it gets lost or stolen (as long as you aren't so stupid as to carry the dongle and password around with the laptop(egin the case!)).
STH
By the way, I advise anyone out there who has a work laptop to make sure it is encrypted. It really isn't that difficult to use, and will genuinely protect YOU if it gets lost or stolen (as long as you aren't so stupid as to carry the dongle and password around with the laptop(egin the case!)).
STH
Join Date: Apr 2004
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Why is there still nothing on the official RAF site about who to contact about this?
They don't need to lose electronic data to scupper you. JPA posted 4 of my pay statements to Iraq while I was in Afghanistan!!!!
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
I used (we used) a number of laptops from RAF Henlow. The laptops each had the password and login details in laminated plastic in the case. The nature of the lamination meant it could not fit in a pocket. best place to keep it . . .
I now have 4 work passwords on one machine at work. That I can't enter passwords 2, 3 and 4 unless I am logged in is a nonsense. Password 2 is 10 alpha/numeric characters but at least I can set them myself. Password 1 is 9 letters, password 3 is 9 numbers and so on.
They make it so difficult that people will write them down.
At home I use a password generator and storeage system not least because all my banks use different systems too.
And how many cards do we have that require PIN? And how many people have a different PIN for each card.
Join Date: Feb 2007
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Add this into the mix, a matelot that I have the misfortune to be good mates with has said that two of the junior scroates he works with has such little trust of the security of data and also of the baks at the moment they have requested to be paid in cash!
I believe the midden is about to hit the windmill. I heard a shares advisor saying that his cleint put all their money in canned food and shotguns.
I believe the midden is about to hit the windmill. I heard a shares advisor saying that his cleint put all their money in canned food and shotguns.
Join Date: May 2004
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Letter came in today stating that my data ("general service information") had been transferred to the drive....standard brush-off which stated that "we have conducted a risk assessment...risk of identity fraud is low" with a link to a defunct Home Office website address! Message is clear....go away, we don't care!
Duty of care this is not! I'm asking if BAFF can delve deeper. Only some sort of formal action can minimise the chance of this happening again.
Duty of care this is not! I'm asking if BAFF can delve deeper. Only some sort of formal action can minimise the chance of this happening again.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
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Its not just us!
An ex colleague has just come up with the latest in conspiracy theories, following an item in todays Telegraph :
'A leading rail union has called for an urgent inquiry after a laptop containing personal details of 150,000 workers in the industry was stolen.'
It seems the only people in the country who haven't had their data lifted, lost or misplaced are our MPs, so is this a back door attempt to get all our ID card data set in place in advance?
Dont blame me - I just said I'd post it for him!
'A leading rail union has called for an urgent inquiry after a laptop containing personal details of 150,000 workers in the industry was stolen.'
It seems the only people in the country who haven't had their data lifted, lost or misplaced are our MPs, so is this a back door attempt to get all our ID card data set in place in advance?
Dont blame me - I just said I'd post it for him!
Red On, Green On
Join Date: May 2004
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Is this new news, or old news:
BBC NEWS | Politics | Up to 1.7m people's data missing
"A missing computer hard drive may have contained details of 1.7 million people who had enquired about joining the armed forces, the government has said.
The drive was reported missing last week by EDS, a firm contracted to the Ministry of Defence.
Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth told MPs the information, which went missing at an EDS site in Hampshire, was "unlikely" to have been encrypted"
Best to get them young, really, saves Al Q, Terry, KGB, Stasi etc. so much trouble
BBC NEWS | Politics | Up to 1.7m people's data missing
"A missing computer hard drive may have contained details of 1.7 million people who had enquired about joining the armed forces, the government has said.
The drive was reported missing last week by EDS, a firm contracted to the Ministry of Defence.
Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth told MPs the information, which went missing at an EDS site in Hampshire, was "unlikely" to have been encrypted"
Best to get them young, really, saves Al Q, Terry, KGB, Stasi etc. so much trouble
Join Date: Jul 2005
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SPVA could learn from this!
24 hours after providing the requested verification details, got this reply back from Recruit Data:
Thank you for your e-mail response.
I have checked the database and can confirm that your information is not stored on it in any form.
As a negative trace has been returned we do not have any information to send you and therefore trust that this satisfies your query.
I have checked the database and can confirm that your information is not stored on it in any form.
As a negative trace has been returned we do not have any information to send you and therefore trust that this satisfies your query.
Why can't SPVA use the same validation requirements to tell me if my data was lost in the Innsworth loss?
N Joe
N Joe
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Lost Count
I have lost count as to which of my records have not been lost 
