Splashing the Cash: The Crown Prosecution Service's Tech Spree and the Data Breach Dilemma
Public expenditure of approximately £7.6 million on mobile devices and computers for CPS personnel
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has splurged a whopping £7 million on notebooks and more than half a million quid on mobile phones for their staff, sparking warnings about amplified risks of data breaches.
According to Freedom of Information (FOI) data supplied to City AM by the think tank Parliament Street, the CPS has bought 4,648 laptops and 2,671 mobile phones for their employees over the last three years, with the average laptop costing £1,483 and phones setting them back £233 each.
With a workforce of over 7,000 occupying England and Wales, and a budget for the upcoming year of £681.6 million, technology seems to be a priority.
Arkadiy Ukolov, co-founder, and CEO of City tech firm Ulla Technology, emphasized the importance of oversight for these devices handed out to staff: "Every device given to an employee by organisations like the CPS needs supervision to ensure they're being used properly."
With the legal sector handling a mountain of delicate, data-sensitive information, Ukolov stressed the importance of strict encryption and compliance.
Tech bigwig Andy Ward, Senior Vice President of Absolute Security, weighed in on the debate, stating, "More devices mean more risks."
He explained, "When laptops are distributed for remote and hybrid working, a robust cybersecurity infrastructure must be in place to prevent breaches, as well as swiftly respond, recover, and isolate compromised devices to protect critical data."
(These attacks aren't just possible; they're inevitable – think 'when,' not 'if'. Having resilient cybersecurity protocols on deck to address compromised devices and secure them swiftly is a must for data protection.)
This news follows M&S's online chaos, as they struggled with order fulfilment after a cyber incident on Tuesday, and Co-op's forced shutdown of some IT systems after an attempted hack this week.
However, the CPS maintains that their employees are consistently subjected to mandatory cyber security and data protection training.
The revelation of the tech bill comes at a time when many civil servants are being encouraged (or even ordered) to return to their desks, with a 60 percent in-person attendance target. This initiative has drawn criticism from civil servants, leading to over 4,000 industrial actions in January.
Commenting on the FOI data, Patrick Sullivan, CEO of Parliament Street, called for an immediate rethink of the government's 60 percent office-working goal.
However, a CPS representative countered that their staff, attending court and working in the office to serve the public's needs, require suitable equipment.
"Last year, we prosecuted 419,401 individuals, securing convictions in 83 percent of cases," the representative highlighted.
The current strain on the criminal justice system, with overflowing case backlogs and jam-packed prisons, is a complex issue. Factors contributing to the problem include a significant number of prosecutors leaving the profession due to low wages[3].
The UK government has pledged to revamp the justice system, asserting an additional £2.3 billion for prison expansion in their Autumn Budget[4].
The story has been updated with comments from the Crown Prosecution Service.
(Enrichment Insights)
- Growing Dependence on Digital Systems: Enhanced reliance on digital tools can open up opportunities for more efficient prosecutions, but the increased exposure to cyber threats and data breaches must be carefully managed.
- Cybersecurity Measures: Deploying robust cybersecurity measures, including advanced security technology, employee training, and regular audits, is essential to maintaining top-notch data security.
- Implications on the Criminal Justice System: Advanced technology can offer benefits in terms of efficiency, evidence management, and victim support; however, budget constraints and the need for ongoing support services must be adequately addressed for long-term effectiveness.
- Technology seems to be a priority for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), with their staff being equipped with a variety of devices, including 4,648 laptops and 2,671 mobile phones over the past three years.
- Andy Ward, Senior Vice President of Absolute Security, emphasized the importance of a robust cybersecurity infrastructure to prevent data breaches, as more devices like laptops and mobile phones increase the risks.
- In 2023, sports and politics might witness an intersection with technology, as the increasing adoption of digital tools elevates the risks of cyber attacks and data breaches.
- Barristers representing various parties in politically sensitive cases might consider enlisting the services of expert cybersecurity consultants to safeguard confidentialdata on devices involved in partnership negotiations, policy discussions, and litigation processes.
