Data leaks as a result of USB drive

Posted on 17th Feb 2012 in News

Health and Safety boss loses nuclear power plant secrets

A HEALTH and safety boss has lost a secret report on a nuclear power station — highlighting the importance of data leakage within any size company.

The extraordinary blunder is a deep embarrassment to the Government. The "stress test" report into weaknesses at the Hartlepool plant was illicitly downloaded on to a USB memory stick and then mislaid while the official was at a nuclear conference in India. It contained sensitive technical details and maps of the power station.  The loss was considered so serious that ministers were immediately informed.

The culprit was a senior inspector at the Health and Safety Executive, working for one of its agencies, the Office for Nuclear Regulation. Last night an ONR spokesman said: "The use of unencrypted USB pen drives is not permitted by ONR for transporting documents with a security classification."

Action was taken against the inspector but last night the Health and Safety Executive refused to say whether he was still employed by them.

Shadow energy and climate change secretary Caroline Flint said: "The safety of the UK's nuclear industry is of paramount importance. It is extremely disturbing that sensitive information about a UK nuclear power station has been lost overseas. I will be urgently writing to the Energy Secretary to get answers."

Last night an EDF spokeswoman said any safety or security concerns sparked by the data stick loss were not "significant".

The ONR also insisted the stick had no "significantly" sensitive information on it. But officials confirmed the full report — later published in redacted form — is not the sort of thing they want in the public domain.

If you have concerns about data leaks within your company, or would like to speak to a specialist about how to help reduce the risks to your business call Ratcliff IT.

Ratcliff IT specialise in IT support for small businesses in and around the London area.

Ratcliff IT Support 0844 544 29 21. www.ratcliff.it

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