UK threatens prison for information misuse

Is it just me, or does it feel like some companies don’t take data security seriously? Well, the UK government is threatening to get tough – in a damning report the Ministry of Justice (love that new name) has said prison sentences could be handed down to anyone deliberately misusing personal data. And they’re not happy with accidental breaches either.

The Information Commissioner, Richard Thomas, told the BBC, “Frankly these [security breaches] are inexcusable. None of this is really rocket science - security is fundamental.” Couldn’t agree more. He also said, “The roll call of banks, retailers, government departments, public bodies and other organisations which have admitted serious security lapses is frankly horrifying."

The press release on the report is here, which includes a link to the full report.