Missing Data Probed

While the NI Probation Board (PBNI) has launched an investigation after a computer memory stick holding information about an offender was misplaced in Londonderry, staff involved in a larger scale 'loss' across the Irish border have escaped official censure.

The computer memory stick containing one item of prisoner data was found in a pub in Londonderry.

As well as containing a number of music files, the personally-owned storage stick held information on one male offender.

As news of the Derry 'loss' emerged today, the Office of the (Irish Republic's) Comptroller and Auditor General (OCAG) said that staff involved in a separate data loss will not face disciplinary action - despite not reporting the nature of the material contained on the three laptops - all stolen in the last three years.

It remains unknown if any action will be taken by the NI Probation Board on this week's development, although a statement did confirm that personal storage of such information was against its policy.

"It contains information on one individual the PBNI has worked with," it said."

Meanwhile, in Dublin, arrangements have been put in place for a security audit to be conducted by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.

An independent review will also be undertaken of the Office's ICT governance and management. However, no staff are to face proceedings over the losses.

At the beginning of August, the Office reported that 16 laptops had been stolen over the past 10 years.

Following an examination of its audit files, and interviews with staff, three of these laptops were identified as containing data that could, if improperly disclosed, be misused. The examination was finalised in the past week.

See: Staff Let Off Despite Putting 400,000 At Risk Of Fraud

(BMcC)