On August 26, 2024, Angus Council in Scotland issued an apology following a significant data breach involving its online test system for the Homes for Ukraine Resettlement program. The breach, which occurred when personal data was inadvertently made public through two closed Facebook groups, has exposed sensitive details about prospective Ukrainian guests and their Angus-based hosts. The unauthorized dissemination of this data has raised concerns about privacy and security for those involved in the program.
The breach was detected when the compromised link was reported, leading the council to act swiftly to disable access. Despite these efforts, the full extent of how the data was copied and leaked remains unclear. The data, stored within a system rather than a downloadable file, complicates the investigation into how it was accessed and shared. Angus Council has escalated the matter to the Information Commissioner’s Office and is working closely with Police Scotland to uncover the details of the breach and its causes.
In response to the incident, Angus Council is taking proactive steps to address the situation. Affected individuals will be contacted directly to inform them of the breach, extend apologies, and offer support as needed. The council is committed to ensuring that all those impacted receive the necessary assistance and information regarding the breach.
As the investigation continues, Angus Council is focused on enhancing its data protection protocols to prevent future incidents. The council has pledged to maintain transparency and keep the public informed about the progress of the investigation. Efforts are underway to review and strengthen data security measures to better safeguard personal information and uphold the trust of those involved in the Homes for Ukraine Resettlement program.
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