U.K ICO. Orders Virgin Media to Encrypt Mobile Devices

[popper]

U.K. Orders Virgin Media to Encrypt Mobile Devices

http://directmag.com/news/uk-100208/

"
U.K. Orders Virgin to Encrypt Mobile Devices

Oct 1, 2008 5:29 PM

Virgin Media Ltd. has been ordered to encrypt all portable or mobile devices which store and transmit personal information, following the loss of an unencrypted compact disc containing the personal details of more than 3,000 customers and prospects, according to the U.K. Information Commissioner’s Office.

This action violated the British Data Protection Act following, according to the ICO.


The Office said it was alerted to this data breach earlier this year after the disc was allegedly passed to Virgin by Carphone Warehouse.

The disc contained the personal details of individuals interested in opening a Virgin Media account in a Carphone Warehouse store, according to the ICO.

In addition, any company processing personal information on behalf of Virgin must also use encryption software, a requirement which must be clearly stated in all contracts, according to the ICO.

The ICO has required Virgin to sign a formal undertaking to comply with the principles of the Data Protection Act. Failure to meet the terms of the undertaking is likely to lead to further enforcement actions, according to the ICO. "

[Anonymouse]

Not before time - although where is the similar order directed towards various government institutions, including the Prison Service and the RAF, to require them to encrypt theirs?

[starsailor123uk]

Originally Posted by Anonymouse

Not before time - although where is the similar order directed towards various government institutions, including the Prison Service and the RAF, to require them to encrypt theirs?

That was my thoughts exactly VM/CW have made an error/ ICO came down on them. Govt bodies do it with 25 millions details and f*ck all happens except a whitewash ( sorry inquiry whose results are not expected this side of a general election when they will be cast aside as old news!)

[Toto]

Originally Posted by starsailor123uk

That was my thoughts exactly VM/CW have made an error/ ICO came down on them. Govt bodies do it with 25 millions details and f*ck all happens except a whitewash ( sorry inquiry whose results are not expected this side of a general election when they will be cast aside as old news!)

Indeed, at least VM admitted to the error, and took immediate steps to protect the number that were affected.

[Pierre]

This was already in place as Virgin Medias new IT systems overhaul means that USB flash drives etc have to be encrypted any way.

Use of CDs is not allowed unless you have a genuine business need and then the fact that you have that facility is logged.

[mrmistoffelees]

Originally Posted by starsailor123uk

That was my thoughts exactly VM/CW have made an error/ ICO came down on them. Govt bodies do it with 25 millions details and f*ck all happens except a whitewash ( sorry inquiry whose results are not expected this side of a general election when they will be cast aside as old news!)

Not true I'm afraid, as I explained in another post. The Hannigan report was issued and government agencys have acted and very very quickly indeed

http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/~/me...625%20pdf.ashx