THE information watchdog yesterday demanded assurances from the Ministry of Defence that it was taking action to improve data security following the loss of a laptop computer with the personal details of 600,000 people.
Information Commissioner Richard Thomas said he was concerned about the sensitivity of some of the data on the computer, particularly as it related to military personnel.
The laptop was stolen from the car of a Royal Navy officer in Birmingham on
the night of January 9, but the theft was only disclosed on Friday by the MoD after details began to leak.
"This latest incident is a stark illustration of the potency of personal information in a database world," Thomas said.
"The volume of information in this case is significant and I am concerned about the sensitivity of some of the information contained on the laptop and the fact it pertains to military personnel.
"But this is not just about security. We will need to know why so much information on so many people was held on a laptop and whether any of it had been retained for too long.
"We will require satisfactory answers from the MoD and a firm assurance that steps have been taken to improve data protection practices before deciding on the appropriate action to take."
The laptop contained personal details of people who had joined up to the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force as well as those who had expressed an interest in joining.
Entries on the computer included passport details, National Insurance numbers, driver's licence details, family details, doctors' addresses and NHS numbers, the MoD said.
It appeared that the laptop was left in a car parked in the Edgbaston area of Birmingham overnight before it was stolen.
West Midlands Police revealed they were told of the theft on January 10.
The theft was being "thoroughly and professionally investigated" in conjunction with the MoD's own police, the force added.
The MoD said it was treating the breach with the "utmost seriousness".
