Database security questioned in the UK
The Conservatives have described the government’s database of properties as a “burglar’s charter” because of security concerns.
Shadow communities secretary Caroline Spelman has complained that the database held by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is “insecure” after ministers refused to publish an independent security report.
The government said the report by Deloitte was “restricted” because it contained sensitive security information, but the VOA has insisted that its database is not at risk.
The Tories requested publication of the independent report after the VOA’s annual report stated that the assessment had shown some areas to be “below minimum target standards”.
The annual report also said there would be an “extensive risk-management review” of all information systems that had been set up.
Spelman said the VOA database, being compiled for a council tax revaluation, included 834,000 digital photographs of homes as well as property details such as conservatories, parking spaces, stables, outside balconies, roof terraces and those on quiet roads.
She said “Labour’s database state is out of control”, and compared the VOA’s “lax approach to security” to HM Revenue and Customs infamous loss of 25 million people’s data.
“I fear that this Big Brother property database, complete with intrusive photographs, is now a burglar’s charter,” she added, promising that the Tories would scrap the revaluation plans.
“Labour’s insecure property database is an IT accident waiting to happen – and a DIY guide to thieves to identify the easiest and most lucrative homes to rob.”
A spokesman for the VOA said the report by Deloitte looked at “all aspects of security and not just data security”.
He added: “Its purpose is to establish where the VOA sits in relation to the latest security guidance from the Cabinet Office, and inform planning to ensure that standards are met.
“The VOA’s property database is held in secure data centres at a level of security considered appropriate for the type of data.”
Topics: Britain, conservatives, database, England, Governance, security, technology, UK, United Kingdom
Print This Article in Plain Text
|
|
Latest Headlines
- Osama Bin Laden Dead?
- Florida To Share $1 Billion For Gulf Coast Restoration Efforts
- Texas Prays For Rain During Extreme Drought Conditions
- Governor Christie Takes Action To Reduce Diesel Emissions, Improve Air Quality
- Governor McDonnell Outlines Draft Transportation Improvement Program
- Alaska Energy Bill Passes Legislature
- Illinois State Building Receives ENERGY STAR Award
- Homeland Security Begins Using National Terrorism Advisory System
- U.S. Outlines New Health Insurance Options For Graduating College Students
- Electrolux Expands In North Carolina, To Create 200 Jobs In Charlotte
- Virginia Storm Victims To Receive Tax Extension
- U.S. Expands Broadband Investment For Rural Areas To Accelerate Job Creation
- U.S. To Invest $130 Million For Advanced Energy Research
- Michigan Passes “I’m Sorry” Bill
- Kentucky Sells Two State Aircraft To Save Taxpayer Dollars
