Data Leaks

HMRC's Data Loss Not So Shocking, Users Believe

According to a Sophos survey

By Bogdan Popa, Security and Search Engines Editor

27th of November 2007, 22:06 GMT

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Such a security system could prevent the UK disaster

Following the recent HMRC data loss that affected approximately 25 million people, the consumers and the security companies from all over the world commented on the

disaster, many of them saying that it could be prevented using a powerful security technology. A recent study conducted by security vendor Sophos revealed that 58 percent of the users were not surprised by the data loss since the government is not so careful with the information it accesses. 31 percent of the respondents said they were shocked that such a thing could happen while 11 percent of them said they don't care about UK's problem.

The study included 350 people and was conducted online on the official website of security company Sophos just after the HMRC officials confirmed the problem.

"The HMRC's data loss isn't just incompetence on a grand scale, for the individuals affected by the ID theft it can be financially crippling. If criminals get their claws on your personal information they could make a significant impact on your bank balance and credit rating," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos.

One week ago, HMRC representatives, the British department responsible for tax collecting the United Kingdom, confirmed that information of about 25 million people was lost but there's no proof that it fell into criminal hands. However, they said the details were copied on two CDs in order to be sent to another department but the discs never reached the destination.

"Governments need to work hard to reassure voters that they are taking all necessary measures to ensure data is always kept securely. This study shows that public feeling on this issue is strong, and that embarrassing and potentially dangerous incidents like the one last week only further damage the trust that people need to have in the guardians of their confidential data."

TAGS:

security | hmrc | leak

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