Banks, shops and government departments have exposed thousands in Britain to the risk of fraud through “horrifying” breaches of data protection laws, a watchdog said on Wednesday.

In his annual report, Information Commissioner Richard Thomas, whose office enforces the Data Protection Act, said firms must do more to secure people’s private details.

“The roll-call of banks, retailers, government departments, public bodies and other organisations which have admitted serious security lapses is frankly horrifying,” he said in the report.

— Privacy watchdog warns of “horrifying” breaches, The Scotsman, Reuters, 11 July 2007

He’s not talking terrorism, so we can hope this is not just more FUD. Continue reading →