After the leak of data from the Bern police in Switzerland and the police in Northern Ireland, it is the turn of the London police. On Sunday, law enforcement officials in the capital announced the taking of security measures after “unauthorized access to the computer system of one of its suppliers” and the breach of security data.
This hacked company in question had in its databases the names, ranks, photos, salary levels and control of the police officers and teams. However, the police point out that this subcontractor did not have the addresses, telephone numbers or financial data of its agents.
“An incredible concern” of the police
The newspaper The Sun reported on Sunday that “cyber criminals have penetrated the computer systems” of the company that prints ID cards and passes for the London Police, the UK’s largest police force. Scotland Yard said investigators are now working with the company to see if there has been any breach in the security of its data.
According to one of its spokespersons, it was impossible to know when the hack took place or how many personnel could be affected. “Security measures have been taken…following this report,” the police force added in a statement.
For the Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents grassroots police, the security breach is likely to cause “incredible concern and anger” among officers. “We share this feeling of revolt […] This is a staggering breach of security, which should never have happened,” said Vice President Rick Prior.