In a stunning security lapse, sensitive personal information belonging to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been exposed in a major data breach. The incident has sent shockwaves through Whitehall and raised urgent questions about government data protection protocols.
The Cabinet Office accidentally published a trove of confidential details, including Mr Johnson's personal home address and his official diary entries. The information was contained within documents uploaded to the government's official website, where they remained accessible to the public for several hours before being removed.
What Information Was Exposed?
The leaked data included:
- Mr Johnson's private residential address
- Detailed records of his official engagements and meetings
- Information about his security arrangements
- Records of his communications with senior government officials
Security experts have described the breach as "extremely serious" given Mr Johnson's high-profile status and the ongoing security considerations for former prime ministers.
Government Response and Security Implications
A Cabinet Office spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating: "We have taken immediate action to investigate this serious breach and have implemented additional security measures to prevent any recurrence."
The revelation comes at a sensitive time for the government, which has faced increasing scrutiny over its data handling practices. Opposition parties have demanded a full inquiry into how such sensitive information could have been made publicly available.
Security analysts have warned that the exposure of a former prime minister's personal address and schedule could potentially compromise not only Mr Johnson's safety but also national security interests.
The Information Commissioner's Office has been notified and is considering whether to launch a formal investigation into the breach, which may constitute a violation of data protection laws.
