This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/7662604.stm

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
MoD computer hard drive missing MoD computer hard drive missing
(about 2 hours later)
An investigation is under way into the disappearance of a computer hard drive containing the personal details of about 100,000 of the Armed Forces. An investigation is under way into the disappearance of a computer hard drive which could contain the details of about 100,000 Armed Forces personnel.
The information was being held by EDS, which is the Ministry of Defence's main IT contractor. The hard drive was being held by EDS, which is the Ministry of Defence's main IT contractor.
The MoD said it was told the drive was missing on Wednesday following a priority audit carried out by EDS.The MoD said it was told the drive was missing on Wednesday following a priority audit carried out by EDS.
It is thought to contain more than 1.5m pieces of information, including the details of 600,000 potential recruits.It is thought to contain more than 1.5m pieces of information, including the details of 600,000 potential recruits.
The BBC's Andy Moore said the incident was one of the most serious data losses for the MoD. There may also be some personal information including bank and driving licence details, passport numbers, addresses, dates of birth and telephone numbers.
There is also said to be a small amount of information about bank details. It contains details of passport numbers, addresses, dates of birth, driving licence details and telephone numbers.
InvestigationInvestigation
MoD police are investigating the drive's whereabouts, but it is not yet known whether or not it was stolen. It is understood the drive was not encrypted. MoD police are investigating the drive's whereabouts, but it is not yet known whether or not it was stolen.
For very obvious personal and national security reasons the MoD must ensure that it handles the records of our Armed Forces personnel with the highest care Liam FoxShadow defence secretary
A ministry spokesperson described it as a "potential" loss of data.
It is understood the drive was not encrypted.
Shadow defence secretary Liam Fox said the latest loss showed the government's attitude to military personnel data was "reckless".
"The MoD has a very poor record on keeping sensitive and classified data secure. This latest scandal is yet another example of poor operational security within the department.
"For very obvious personal and national security reasons the MoD must ensure that it handles the records of our Armed Forces personnel with the highest care.
"Once again, the loss of so much confidential information shows the reckless approach this government takes with our personal information."
Fraudster alert
The missing drive is the latest information security breach to hit the MoD.The missing drive is the latest information security breach to hit the MoD.
In July officials revealed 658 MoD laptops had been stolen over the past four years and 26 portable memory sticks containing classified information had been either stolen or misplaced since January.In July officials revealed 658 MoD laptops had been stolen over the past four years and 26 portable memory sticks containing classified information had been either stolen or misplaced since January.
Conservative MP and former shadow defence minister, Patrick Mercer, said it was "scandalous." MP Nigel Evans, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Identity Fraud, said: "This is yet another example of the serious implications the loss of personal data can have for the general public.
"This is the Ministry of Defence, for heaven's sake," he said. "The fact that it has been revealed during National Identity Fraud Prevention Week is ironic. The loss of such important information including bank details, passport numbers and dates of birth will be music to the ears of fraudsters everywhere.
"They're had more than 30 years' experience of dealing with the IRA, securing very important details from terrorists and others who would wish the nation harm and, time after time after time, individual details of personnel are going missing." "It is vital that there is a cultural change across the public sector with all professionals aware of their responsibility to protect and manage personal data."
Audit tests
A spokesman for the MoD said: "On 8 October we were informed by our contractor EDS that they were unable to account for a portable hard drive used in connection with the administration of Armed Forces personnel data.A spokesman for the MoD said: "On 8 October we were informed by our contractor EDS that they were unable to account for a portable hard drive used in connection with the administration of Armed Forces personnel data.
"This came to light during a priority audit EDS are conducting to comply with the Cabinet Office data handling review. The MoD Police are investigating with EDS.""This came to light during a priority audit EDS are conducting to comply with the Cabinet Office data handling review. The MoD Police are investigating with EDS."
The hard drive was being used as part of a test and was attached to TAFMIS, the Armed Forces training and financial management information system.
The MoD are carrying out further tests to see if it can determine whether any data was transferred onto the missing hard drive.