The Ministry of Defence is investigating the reported loss of 69 laptops and seven personal computers over the past year, officials revealed yesterday, as Whitehall staff were banned from removing laptops containing sensitive data from their offices.
The extent of the lack of security surrounding MoD computers containing un-encrypted information emerged as Des Browne, the defence secretary, announced an inquiry into the latest theft: a laptop containing information on 600,000 people – recruits and those who had expressed an interest in joining the armed forces – which was stolen from a naval officer’s car earlier this month.
– The Guardian
India should be given a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council to reflect its status as an emerging global power, Gordon Brown said yesterday.
His call, made within hours of landing in Delhi, drew loud applause from an audience of students watching him in a televised discussion and will be welcomed by India’s political leaders, who have been pressing for a seat at the UN’s top table.
– The Times
The Security Services are to investigate if terrorists have got hold of military personnel files following the theft of a Ministry of Defence laptop, the Defence Secretary announced.
Des Browne told the Commons that MI5 and MI6 had been asked to assess whether the incident “could lead to an increased threat to our personnel”.
– The Telegraph