MoD staff warned not to share hidden data before Afghan leak
Summary
The UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD) was warned before an Afghan data leak not to share information with hidden spreadsheet tabs. Despite the leak of nearly 19,000 people's details, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) chose not to fine the MoD, citing concern over taxpayer costs. The breach will reportedly cost the UK government about £850 million.Key Facts
- The data leak involved details of almost 19,000 Afghan applicants seeking to move to the UK.
- The leak happened due to an official sending a spreadsheet with hidden tabs containing sensitive data.
- The MoD was warned about sharing data with hidden tabs before the leak occurred.
- The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) decided not to fine the MoD for this breach.
- Hidden tabs in spreadsheets can store data not immediately visible, but accessible through certain settings.
- The leak prompted an emergency resettlement scheme costing an estimated £850 million.
- A two-year super-injunction initially prevented news of the leak from being reported.
- A previous, smaller Afghan data breach resulted in a £350k fine, whereas this larger breach did not result in a fine.
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