Data security measures ineffective in local government according to LGC/VEGA survey

22 April 2010 – Local government’s approach to data security is still in need of help, with 25% of councils suffering security breaches in the past year, according to a survey published today and commissioned by VEGA Consulting Services Ltd (VEGA), a Finmeccanica company.

 

The survey, which was conducted on VEGA’s behalf by Local Government Chronicle, was designed to measure awareness of data security implications across all local government authorities in England and Wales. It followed the Cabinet Office’s release of the Security Policy Framework (SPF 3.0) in October 2009, which reinforces the doctrine that security risks must be managed effectively, collectively and proportionately, to achieve a secure and confident working environment.

 

Amongst the areas covered by the survey were: who is responsible for data security; awareness of central government security initiatives and their impact on local authorities; how data security training is conducted; and whether an organisation has suffered a security breach in the previous 12 months.

 

VEGA Managing Director, Paul MacGregor, said: “I want to thank LGC for their support with this survey, which has identified some significant data security issues for many local authorities. Based on our experience working at the heart of the Government Connect programme for three years, VEGA is well-placed to address these issues and help local councils ensure they are fully prepared for meeting future data security challenges.”

 

For full survey results, please register for the report.

 

Further information

For further information, please contact Mark Gunning on mark.gunning@vega.co.uk.