Is the UK Gov data loss down to cost cutting from lowest bid company contractors?

Question

This recent data loss is appalling. I can't believe that a young low level worker had access to the entire UK population database and was able to download the data unencrypted and send it in the mail. I believe that companies such as EDS, Cap Gemini and Capita bid for these contracts. I have also heard that they are not implemented proper Microsoft levels of security having reduced the "walled gardens" and gone for a flat data structure. They have also embraced remote virtual desktop technology and outsourced much of their work using a leverage model to reduce costs and increase profits.

Are these cost cutting short cuts responsible for a situation where personal and national security has been massively breached?

Machang Man, they haven't LOST the data, 25 million families now have their identities and bank accounts copied out there for thieves and terrorists to copy and use. False passports, illegal immigrants, credit card cloners etc.. could have a ball. I know, I was one of the first in the country to have my dustbin raided, all my credit cards and bank accounts got hit at the same time. The gang doing it turned out to be thieves, arsonists and murderers and all our neighbours were hit at the same time - just from details in our bins, and now the government has done it for every family in the country!

Answer 1

It's a mixture of false economy and employing people to manage who only understand management. This is a consequence of the business studies. The bosses therefore don't even have the knoweledge of technology of an average everyday person, and rely on the advice of their contractors

Running a report on a database to extract relevant data isn't that complex: if the whole thing can be put on a couple of DVDs. It onlt becomes complex when you have all the management involved with communicating with an outside agency- rather than just asking Sue in IT.

Answer 2

British government and academy were living in the past. They all rely on BS7799 and its implementation. That standard was wonderful in ten years ago. However, the crack-in to Hong Kong Bank in London and causing millions of clients including security experts loss has raised the warning signal. That crack-in was from outside and no insiders involved. That hacker should win the hacker gold-medal.

So further, no further loss due to that list, it may be some people tried to warn British Government. BS7799 should retire; they should adopt american standard which was a modification from German Base-line protection.

Answer 3

I am in the United Kingdom, and I am proberly affected by the loss of this data, I have 2 children aged 5 and 18monthsold. I think the Inland Revenue and the govenment have alot to answer to people affected on this. How can they lose all this data? Thats going to put millions at risk of idenitytheft? Just total carelesness...

Answer 4

It's because they try to do everything cheaper: Pay peanuts and you get monkeys!

Answer 5

It may sound stupid. But don't they have any backup for it ?