Fears military secrets could end up for sale
Sixty Ministry of Defence laptops went missing last year – sparking fears that highly sensitive secrets might be for sale on the dark web.
Four desktop computers also vanished, along with 45 memory sticks, it has been revealed.
Ammunition and explosives were lost or stolen, too. But m i l itar y chiefs a re most concerned about any sensitive information on the lost tech.
A source said: “Of course lost ammo is serious. You never want the wrong people getting hold of dangerous weapons. But the laptops are more serious.
“Look at Russia, for example. We’re in an information war with them. Who knows what’s on these laptops? Is it information, plans, blueprints?
“The dark web is the perfect way to move these things around.
“Hopefully these laptops have just been picked up by petty thieves and been wiped clean before being sold on. But you never know. Action must be taken to tighten things up.
“Losing one or two is fine – but 60 is pretty ridiculous. If they got into the hands of experts, it wouldn’t take long to open them up.”
The dark web – heavi ly encrypted areas of the internet – is used by criminals worldwide to trade illegal goods, drugs and child porn.
The MoD’s losses were revealed by a Freedom of Information request.
Shadow Defence Secretary Nia Griffith said: “In the face of growing cyber warfare, the potential loss of sensit ive information is extremely concerning.
“We need assurances that these devices have not fallen into the wrong hands and the MoD must tighten guidance to prevent future incidents.”
An MoD spokesman said: “We take security extremely seriously. We have robust procedures to deter and prevent losses and thefts, while precautions like securely encrypting electronic devices ensure they cannot be accessed if they cannot be located.
“We have millions of items right across the world.
“While it’s impossible to stop al l losses, a l l incidents are fully investigated so lessons can be learned and disciplinary action or prosecution taken when necessary.”