Investigation launched into Essex County Council data breach

Category: Data management

29 August, 2012

An investigation into a serious data security breach is underway at Essex County Council, after a worker allegedly sent personal and financial data of people in care to an unauthorised recipient.

It is thought that the incident may leave up to 400 individuals at risk of identity theft, with the data believed to contain addresses and financial information.

A council worker from the Adults Health and Community Wellbeing Department has been accused of sending the details to a computer outside of the council and since the breach one member of staff has been sacked.

After reporting the incident to the police, the council's all-party scrutiny committee will now investigate.

In a statement, Essex County Council maintained that it is not thought there was any malicious intent in the breach.

"We are taking this extremely seriously and have informed the police and the Information Commissioners Office," the document read.

The incident outlines the importance of stringent data management, educating staff on the correct email behaviour and how to avoid mistakes.

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Posted by Paulie Philips