Investigation Launches Into PSNI Data Breach

An investigation has been launched after the names of all serving PSNI officers and civilian staff, alongside their role and where they are based, were mistakenly published online.

It is understood that the personal details were included in a response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) Request. The information was included in a document that was published online for a number of hours, before it was discovered.

The PSNI's Senior Information Risk Owner, Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd said: "Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the release of data within a spreadsheet. The data concerned contained the surnames and initials of current employees alongside the location and department within which they work. No other personal information was included. The breach resulted from information included in error in response to a Freedom of Information Request.

"We have informed the organisation to make our officers and staff aware of the incident, appreciating the concern that this will cause many of our colleagues and families. We will do all that we can to mitigate any such concerns.

"An initial notification has been made to the office of the Information Commissioner regarding the data breach.

"The matter is being fully investigated and a Gold structure is in place to oversee the investigation and consequences. It is actively being reviewed to identify any security issues.

"The information was taken down very quickly. Although it was made available as a result of our own error, anyone who did access the information before it was taken down is responsible for what they do with it next. It is important that data anyone has accessed is deleted immediately.

"This is an issue we take extremely seriously and as our investigation continues we will keep the Northern Ireland Policing Board and the Information Commissioner's Office updated."

Alliance Leader and former Justice Minister Naomi Long, discribed the data breach as "profoundly concerning".

Mrs Long said: "This level of data breach is clearly of profound concern, not least to police officers, civilian staff, and their families, who will be feeling incredibly vulnerable and exposed tonight and in the days ahead,.

"Immediate action must be taken to offer them proper information, support, guidance and necessary reassurances regarding their and their families' security.

"Whilst the personal data has now been removed, once such information has been published online, it leaves an indelible footprint.

"That such sensitive information could ever have been held in a manner open to such a breach is unconscionable and will require serious investigation; however, the most urgent issue is supporting those whose security has been compromised.

"Alliance representatives on the Policing Board are seeking an urgent meeting of the Board to be convened with PSNI Senior Management Team to address this unprecedented security breach."