An investigation has been initiated by the Metropolitan Police following a suspected data breach that led to unauthorized access to the systems of one of its suppliers.
The police force disclosed that the breached company held a cache of sensitive information including names, ranks, photographs, vetting levels, and pay figures for both officers and staff. Authorities are actively working to assess the extent of the data accessed, if any.
In response to the breach, the Metropolitan Police has implemented additional security measures to mitigate potential risks.
The breach has stirred significant concern and distress within the force’s staff association. This breach, they emphasize, has the potential to compromise sensitive information and infringe upon the privacy of personnel.
While the exact timing and scale of the breach remain unclear, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson clarified that the compromised company did not possess personal details such as addresses, contact numbers, or financial particulars.
The incident has been promptly reported to both the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the information commissioner for further investigation and oversight.
Rick Prior, Vice Chair of the Metropolitan Police Federation, a body that represents over 30,000 officers within the force, highlighted the potential repercussions of this breach. He underscored that in the wrong hands, the compromised information could inflict “incalculable damage.”
Prior expressed his distress over the potential exposure of personal details of officers who are dedicated to challenging and hazardous roles aimed at upholding law and order. He stated, “The release of their personal information potentially into the public domain, susceptible to being viewed by anyone, will undoubtedly spark significant concern and frustration among colleagues.”
He further committed to collaborating with the force to mitigate the potential dangers and risks resulting from this breach. Holding the Metropolitan Police accountable for the incident, he underscored the seriousness of the matter in the context of officer security and privacy.
