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Concerns over treatment of sensitive data

12 October 2009

Sensitive information is being poorly handled, placing people at risk of identity fraud, it has been claimed.

Research conducted to mark National Identity Fraud Prevention Week indicated that the problem is increasing, with cases up by more than a third (36 per cent) in a year, costing the UK an estimated £1.2 billion.

However, almost two out of three respondents (64 per cent) to a survey admitted to throwing sensitive documents in the bin without first shredding them.

Almost 75 per cent of those questioned claimed that their employer is not taking adequate steps to protect customer data effectively.

A spokesman for National Identity Fraud Prevention Week, Tyron Hill, stated: "People are either naive or they continue to ignore the advice that could keep their identity, their finances and their reputation safe."

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office, which is concerned with the protection of private data and public information rights, recently announced the expansion of its Cheshire head office in Wilmslow.

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