Following the loss of an unencrypted laptop computer, the UK’s Ministry of Defence has instigated a ban on removing laptops and storage devices containing unencrypted data from Whitehall offices.
The new rule was introduced by Cabinet Secretary, Sir Gus O’Donnell, on Monday night and is now being enforced through what is described by insiders as a “massive operation”. The official email from the Cabinet Secretary stated: “”From now on, no unencrypted laptops or drives containing personal data should be taken outside secured office premises.”
As well as communicating the policy to all staff, departments will have to ensure that officials can continue to do their jobs within the constraints of the ban. Which is, we suspect, where the plan will become unhinged.
