Hundreds of MOD laptops go missing

MILITARY officials have admitted more than 1,000 pieces of computer kit has gone missing in the past five years, sparking fears over security.

The MOD revealed a total of 941 laptops were stolen or lost during that period, as well as a further 160 desktop computers. It also said 481 memory sticks, which can hold vast amounts of data, had disappeared.

Some items may have held secret information which could create a security risk in the hands of the nation’s enemies. However, all MOD data is supposed to be encrypted and password protected, so they should be almost impossible to hack.

A lot of the missing kit came to light after an audit in 2020.

The admission comes as the MOD revealed it is being hit by 6,000 security breaches a year.

In the past year, two SA80 assault rifles were stolen and a Glock pistol also went missing, along with more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition.

In previous years officials have disclosed that huge stashes of valuable kit have been stolen from bases, including night-vision goggles,arctic clothing, gym equipment, outboard motors and a vehicle trailer.

Christopher Seward, CEO of security organisation Vpncompare.co. uk, said: “Given the current heightened national security situation, it is astonishing the MOD is haemorrhaging such vast quantities of sensitive equipment. While it is a relief most would have been encrypted and unusable, that is hardly the point.

“A Government department focused on security matters should have procedures to stop hardware ever going missing, never mind lose an item every day. How are we supposed to trust the MOD to keep the country safe when they can’t even look after their laptops?”

An MOD spokesperson said: “We have robust processes in place to detect and deter theft, and raise awareness of the need for vigilance at all times.

“We also have safeguards in place to ensure that lost or stolen devices cannot be accessed by unauthorised parties.”