Review Finds UK's Largest Police Data Breach Caused by Outdated Practices and Lack of Security Prioritization

The breach, which exposed the personal details of nearly 10,000 officers, has led to significant distress among the force and could cost up to £37 million in legal claims.

• An independent review of the largest police data breach in UK history, which saw the personal details of almost 10,000 Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers published online, found that six officials missed the mistake before the data was published.
• The breach was a result of outdated information management practices and a lack of prioritization of data security within the PSNI.
• The breach has had significant impacts on the officers affected, with one officer resigning, at least 50 others reporting being off sick with stress, and many expressing fears for their personal safety.
• An estimated 4,000 officers and staff affected by the breach are currently involved in a civil claim against the force, with the overall cost expected to be as much as £37 million.
• The review has called for better prioritization of data, information, and cybersecurity at a strategic level within police forces.

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