Data breach in Essex exposes details of 400 people
Essex County Council is investigating a serious data security breach, which could leave hundreds of people at risk of identity theft.
A council worker at Essex County Council is believed to have sent personal and financial data of 400 people in care to an unauthorised recipient, according to a report by local news website This Is Total Essex.
The data allegedly contained addresses and financial information about citizens in “substantial” and “critical” need of care, were sent from the Adults Health and Community Wellbeing Department to an external computer outside of the council. Following the breach, a council staff member was sacked and the incident reported to Essex Police and the Government's Information Commissioner. The council's own all-party scrutiny committee will now investigate the breach.
