Last week, a laptop and 4 computer hard drives were stolen from the Bar Council’s offices in London. These contained sensitive data on all the barristers practising in England and Wales as well as details of around 1,500 complaints lodged against barristers.
The data stolen included the names, addresses and bank account details of barristers (although not of a type that would enable access to their accounts) and, in respect of complaints, the names and addresses of those complaining, witnesses details and the names of barristers with complaints pending.
The Bar Council says it takes its data protection seriously and that “the data is covered by a high level of protection and cannot be accessed readily.” Still, data loss from computers, particularly laptops, is becoming an increasingly regular event and we advise all businesses to ensure their laptops are password protected and that any sensitive data is securely encripted.
Gary Cousins, Business Lawyer
This blog is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor is it intended to be a complete and authoritative statement of the law, and what we say might be out of date by the time you read it. You should always seek legal advice to confirm whether or how any information in this article applies to your particular situation. We offer a free telephone consultation to discuss your particular circumstances.