05/08/2024

Investigation Launched Into Dept Of Education Data Breach

Education Minister Paul Givan has announced that an investigation has been launched into the circumstance surrounding a data breach at his department on 01 August.

Minister Givan said: "The Department takes its responsibilities around data protection extremely seriously and we unreservedly apologise to all those affected as this should not have happened.

"The individuals involved have been contacted to make them aware of the data breach.

"I have instructed my Departmental Permanent Secretary to launch a full and thorough investigation into the data breach and this will be led by Internal Audit. In parallel, the Department will be working to put in place measures to help make sure this does not happen again.

"An initial notification has been made to the office of the Information Commissioner regarding the data breach and the Department will continue to engage with them as they conduct their investigation.

"As our investigation continues, all those impacted, as well as the Information Commissioner's Office, will be kept updated."


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