MoD ‘LOSES’ 60 LAPTOPS
Security fears on military secrets
SIXTY Ministry of Defence laptops went missing lastyear – sparking fears our highly sensitive secrets might befor sale on the dark web.
Forty-five memory sticks and four desktop computers also vanished.
Ammunition and explosives were lost or stolen too, it has been revealed.
But military chiefs are most concerned about the lost tech because Britain’s enemies could access sensitive information from them.
One 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 sixty is pretty ridiculous. If they got into the hands of experts it wouldn’t take long to open them up.”
The dark web – heavily-encrypted areas of the internet – is used by criminals worldwide to trade illegal goods, drugs and child porn.
The MoD’s losses – which also included explosive charges, detonators and 165 5.56mm cartridges used in M16 assault rifles – was revealed by a Freedom of Information request.
Nia Griffith, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, said: “In the face of increasing cyber warfare, the potential loss of sensitive information is extremely concerning.
“We need assurances that these devices have not fallen into the wrong hands and, where appropriate, the MoD must tighten guidance to prevent future such incidents.” The MoD said: “We take security extremely seriously.
“We have robust procedures to deter and prevent losses and thefts, whilst 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.
“Whilst it’s impossible to stop all losses, all incidents are fully investigated so lessons can be learned and disciplinary action or prosecution taken when necessary.”
Losing stuff is serious. We’re in an information war with Russia MILITARY SOuRcE ON RISK OF LEAKED TECH