HMRC has been plagued by a worrying trend of lost or stolen mobile phones and laptops, with an average of 12 devices going missing every week since April. This translates to a staggering 2.41 devices lost or stolen every working day.
The figures, obtained through a Freedom of Information request, reveal a concerning lack of security within the tax office. In the last three years alone, HMRC employees have reported losing 1,670 mobile phones and 334 laptops. A further 95 phones and 562 laptops have been recorded as stolen during this period.
he sheer number of devices lost or stolen raises serious questions about HMRC's ability to safeguard sensitive taxpayer information. These devices often contain personal data, financial records, and confidential tax returns. The potential for data breaches and identity theft is significant.
While HMRC claims to take "quick action" to deactivate lost or stolen devices and investigate all security incidents, the frequency of these occurrences suggests a systemic problem. The lax security measures and apparent carelessness of some employees are putting taxpayers' data at unnecessary risk.
It is imperative that HMRC takes immediate steps to address this issue. This includes implementing stricter security protocols, providing adequate training to employees on data protection, and investing in robust security systems to safeguard sensitive information.
Taxpayers deserve to have their data protected from falling into the wrong hands. HMRC must take responsibility for this alarming trend and take decisive action to prevent further losses and protect the privacy of individuals and businesses.
Tax does have to be taxing.
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Mifi losses in September had a slight jump? Maybe Guido will pick up in this and ask some awkward questions.
ReplyDeleteIf they have been stolen, who is stealing - Hmrc staff? The police needs to look closely at what's going on in HMRC
ReplyDeleteOfficial phones and laptops which are stolen can be locked/disabled so there wouldn't be any point in staff stealing them.
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