BBC Reports 120 Memory Sticks Lost by MoD
BBC News reported today that approximately 120 USB memory sticks containing secret information have been lost or stolen from the Ministry of Defence since 2004. Most recently a memory stick containing training and travel information for 70 soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment was found in a dance club.
It is shocking and worrisome that the memory sticks used by the MoD are not ecrypted usb memory sticks. These encrypted memory sticks could be lost or stolen without compromising security since the person who obtains the memory stick would not be able to view the data saved on it. Encrypted USB memory sticks offer many levels of security that allow your data to be easily accessible by you but not by anyone without the authorization to view your data. All companies with employees that are using memory sticks to transfer information relating to patents, financial documents, trade secrets, source code, or other proprietary information should supply their employees with encrypted usb flash drives to prevent data loss or theft.