Three-quarters of MoD systems tested so far are not secure

Data handling review reveals extent of poor security standards

The MoD is testing its IT systems

Nearly three-quarters of the Ministry Of Defence's (MoD's )IT systems examined as part of a Whitehall data handling review do not meet the required security standards.

In June, the Cabinet Office released new guidelines for government departments after a series of embarrassing public sector data losses.

Since then government departments have been testing their systems against the standards. So far the MoD has tested 58 per cent of its IT systems against the standards.

"Of these, 27 per cent of systems are classed as fully accredited and are being operated in a manner within the MoD's senior information risk owner's risk appetite," said defence minister Bob Ainsworth in the answer to a parliamentary question.

Another 31 per cent of systems tested are currently classed as having conditional or interim accreditation, with constraints placed on the operation of the system to ensure that risks are adequately managed.