In the last week two educational institutions have been found breaking the Data Protection Act after failing to adequately protect laptops, which were subsequently stolen. Both The ‘Association of School and College leaders” and a school in Barnet had laptops stolen, both of them holding data which was unencrypted. Information located on each stolen laptop included pupils names, addresses, exam grades and information relating to their physical and mental health.
An investigation by the Information ‘Commissioner’s Office’ (ICO) led to the discovery that the correct data protection prevention methods were not in place. Sally Anne Poole from the ICO said the fact the laptops were not encrypted was “inexcusable”. The incident at the school in Barnet led Surrey Council being fined £120,000.
The Barnet School now claims steps have been taken to prevent any future data breaches. “We have learnt from this experience and hope other schools will as well.”
Are you an educational establishment or a County Council worried about whether your technology is secure? Contact Metadigm today to find out!
