Security shock: Credit card details hacked into » Local Government » 24dash.com

Accessibility Menu

Security shock: Credit card details hacked into

Published by webmaster for 24dash.com in Local Government
Thursday 26th July 2007 - 3:01pm

Thousands of debit and credit card holders in Newcastle could be hit by a breach of security in a town hall computer. Thousands of debit and credit card holders in Newcastle could be hit by a breach of security in a town hall computer.

Other Local Government stories

Thousands of debit and credit card holders in Newcastle could be hit by a breach of security in a town hall computer.

Police and security experts have been called in after details of 54,000 residents' cards were downloaded to an address in the Middle East.

As a result of the mistake, millions of financial records held by Newcastle City Council have been accessed.

Information was placed in error on an open server site which could be accessed by outsiders instead of a secure network.

The site was shut down as soon as the problem was discovered last week.

Council leader John Shipley said: "This is an extremely serious breach, which I was shocked to hear about."

"On learning of this for the first time late last Thursday, the chief executive immediately ordered an urgent and thorough investigation, with the police and independent security experts."

"Also, straight away he put in place additional measures to strengthen security. Leading councillors were briefed on Monday as the investigations proceeded."

"My first concern is that every possible measure should be put in place now to protect people whose data might have been compromised, and we have communicated this to the banks and credit card companies."

Copyright - Press Association 2007

Don't miss the 24dash.com audio bulletins for the latest news and information - http://www.24dash.com/podcasts

Comments

No comments yet...

Be the first and post your views below.

Please Login to comment

To comment you must be logged in. You can either Login or Register

Latest jobs

Shoreline Housing PartnershipAsset Investment Manager

Rate: up to £43,680
Type: Permanent
Location: Yorkshire & Humberside

Shoreline Housing PartnershipHome Options Officer

Rate: up to £19,983
Type: Contract
Location: Yorkshire & Humberside

Vicinity Housing GroupClerical Officer

Rate: £14,733 - £15,728 pa (Band 3)
Type: Permanent
Location: North West

Campbell TickellExecutive Director - Finance

Rate: £95,000 plus benefits
Type: Permanent
Location: Eastern (inc. Herts and Essex)


Find and search more jobs in our Jobs Section...

Latest 24dash poll

What will be the biggest single issue facing social housing providers in 2010?






Previous polls

Latest blog posts

timkidson

"The couple"

Published by timkidson

For SME’s including family businesses, the most powerful and groundbreaking work to generate business success often...

jonathonporritt

"Time to press the panic button?"

Published by jonathonporritt

Apologies for the six weeks blog-oliday. Put it down to Copenhagen blues! I’m still reeling from the surreal sight of...

Yvonne Hutchinson

"RSL, RPL, What’s the difference?"

Published by Yvonne Hutchinson

I’ve just read the Communities and Local Government paper, The private rented sector: professionalism and quality...