The Ministry of Defence has disclosed the number of computers, laptops, phones, and USB sticks that were either lost or stolen in 2023, following a parliamentary question by Helen Maguire, Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom and Ewell.
Maria Eagle, Minister of State for Defence, provided the detailed figures in a written response, revealing monthly losses across various categories of equipment.
The breakdown of losses across the year is as follows:
| Date | Computers | Laptops | USBs | Phones |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan-23 | 0 | 13 | 2 | 9 |
| Feb-23 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 3 |
| Mar-23 | 0 | 38 | 2 | 10 |
| Apr-23 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 3 |
| May-23 | 0 | 8 | 2 | 8 |
| Jun-23 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 12 |
| Jul-23 | 0 | 9 | 6 | 8 |
| Aug-23 | 0 | 51 | 3 | 9 |
| Sep-23 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 8 |
| Oct-23 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 9 |
| Nov-23 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 11 |
| Dec-23 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 11 |
In total, the MOD recorded 178 laptops, 41 phones, and 20 USB sticks lost or stolen over the year, with no computers reported missing.
Eagle assured the public of the department’s diligence in safeguarding its assets:
“We take the security of defence assets very seriously and have robust policies and procedures to prevent losses and thefts. Defence personnel are regularly reminded of their responsibilities to safeguard Defence assets.”
To mitigate the risk of sensitive information being compromised, the MOD applies tailored security measures to its electronic devices based on the nature and classification of stored data.
In 2021, the MoD reported the loss or theft of 311 devices, including 71 computers, 147 laptops, and 93 USBs. By contrast, the 2022-2023 period saw an increase to 383 lost or stolen items, with 185 laptops, 98 mobile phones, 30 memory sticks, and 70 external hard drives.
This significant increase, particularly in the number of lost or stolen laptops, alongside the introduction of new device categories like mobile phones and external hard drives, underscores a growing challenge in securing electronic devices within the MoD.
The Ministry of Defence said:
“All breaches of security are taken very seriously. MOD Policy requires all breaches to be reported regardless of whether there is firm evidence of loss or just an inability to account for some devices. Investigations indicate that many of the losses identified are in fact accounting errors highlighted by security mustering processes.”
Whatever has happened to being responsible for any kit you have signed for?
From deep personal experience, it’s the “Responsible” that’s missing in the MoD. It’s all target oriented, you have to pass ludicrous tests to reach the required standard for the job you’re doing, whether or not you’ve any need for the function or not. I didn’t have any purchase function, hell we couldn’t buy a printer cartridge even when we stopped task completion for want of a form.
The Purchasing module took around 8 man days to complete, every C2 had to complete it successfully. Yet Engineers couldn’t buy anything at all.
Don’t finish it, you get no pay increase even the meagre 2 percents. Skip it again, and your sackable. Even if you’re bloody good at your job, and the customer loves you..you’re out
But your missing the good part of these figures..no computers were lost, because no computers are available. Everyone has a personal laptop…and no desk. You just grab a seat wherever you can…even on a different site often
I’m surprised the laptop figure isn’t higher considering every service man or woman and every civil servant has a laptop