OTTAWA — The federal department at the centre of a massive data breach says it is banning the use of portable data devices in its offices, using new technology to prevent information from being easily removed from the network and warning any staff that violation of the new rules could mean the loss of their job.
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) said Monday that it will start using “data loss technology,” which would allow the department to restrict when, where and which staff can remove information from government systems. Reviews have already started to see what risks the use of secured, portable data devices, such as memory sticks carry in the department’s work and whether there are enough safeguards to prevent another massive breach of personal information from happening again.
Should the “strict codes of privacy and security” not be followed, the department said, staff will face “disciplinary measures … up to and including termination.”