Computer firm loses prison staff data
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Justice Secretary Jack Straw last night ordered an urgent inquiry after it emerged that a private contractor had lost a portable hard drive holding personal details of thousands of prison workers.
The huge US firm Electronic Data Systems (EDS) has owned up to losing the names, dates of birth, National Insurance numbers and prison service numbers of up to 5,000 employees of the National Offender Management Service.
It was revealed last night that EDS staff only realised the data was missing in July. But while the company immediately reported the loss to the Prison Service, Mr Straw only found out yesterday, after a letter about the missing drive was passed to a newspaper. He said he was "extremely concerned".
Opposition politicians condemned the "serious breach in security".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments