Data security - Big Brother is not watching

THOUGH not on the scale of the débâcle unfolding in Britain, today’s story that Allied Irish Banks have sent around 15,000 letters to customers detailing transactions that never took place is very worrying.

The AIB letters have told some customers that five-figure sums have been lodged to their accounts on the foot of transactions that never took place. The letter contains details — account numbers and names — of the both parties to imagined transactions and open the possibility of identity theft.

In Britain HM Revenue and Customs are responsible for unencrypted discs missing in the post. These discs contain the names, addresses and account details of around 25 million people.