Breach at Inflite The Jet Centre Exposes Personal Data Linked to Afghan Relocations
A cyber-attack on Inflite The Jet Centre Ltd, a company providing ground services for flights linked to the UK's Ministry of Defence and the Cabinet Office, has resulted in the exposure of personal data of up to 3,700 individuals, including Afghans seeking refuge as part of the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy.
Details of the Breach
The breach, which was discovered recently, is the latest in a series of leaks involving private information of Afghan refugees. Inflite The Jet Centre, a contractor linked to the UK Ministry of Defence, provides ground services for flights related to the UK's defence ministry and the Cabinet Office.
Impact on Afghans in Resettlement Scheme
The exposed data includes personal information of Afghans who were resettled in the UK under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy. This policy was established to provide a safe haven for Afghans who worked with the UK government and military during the conflict in Afghanistan.
Government Response
The UK government has acknowledged the breach and is taking steps to mitigate the impact on those affected. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that it is working with the company to investigate the breach and provide support to those whose data was exposed.
Previous Breaches
This is not the first time that data breaches have affected Afghans who have settled in the UK. Previous breaches have also exposed personal data of British troops, civil servants, and former Tory ministers.
Expert Insights
Background on Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy
The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy was established in 2021 to provide a safe haven for Afghans who worked with the UK government and military during the conflict in Afghanistan. The policy allows eligible Afghans to resettle in the UK and receive support, including accommodation, healthcare, and education.
Policy Goals
The goals of the policy include providing a safe haven for Afghans who are at risk due to their work with the UK government and military, and supporting the resettlement of those who have been displaced due to the conflict.
Implications of the Breach
The breach at Inflite The Jet Centre has significant implications for the individuals affected, including the potential for identity theft and other forms of harm. The UK government has a responsibility to protect the personal data of those it handles, and the breach raises questions about the adequacy of its data protection measures.
Future Actions
The UK government has confirmed that it is taking steps to improve its data protection measures and prevent similar breaches in the future. The Information Commissioner's Office will also be investigating the breach to ensure that the Ministry of Defence and its contractors have met their obligations.
Conclusion
The cyber-attack on Inflite The Jet Centre has exposed the personal data of up to 3,700 individuals, including Afghans seeking refuge in the UK. The breach is the latest in a series of leaks involving private information of Afghan refugees, and raises questions about the adequacy of the UK government's data protection measures.