Ministry of Justice officials report losing more than 16 laptops and mobile phones each month, highlighting significant security vulnerabilities.
Recent data reveals that over a nine-month period from July 5, 2024, to April 29, 2025—when Shabana Mahmood served as Justice Secretary—the department recorded 91 missing mobiles, 59 laptops, and five other electronic devices. These losses total 155 devices, averaging over 17 per month.
Heightened Security Concerns
The Ministry of Justice oversees prisons, probation services, and courts, making lost devices a prime target for criminals. Such equipment likely holds sensitive information valuable to underworld figures, posing a substantial risk beyond the financial cost of replacements.
Every incident triggers an immediate investigation, with officials emphasizing strict protocols for reporting and addressing losses.
Recent Cyber Vulnerabilities
Earlier this year, the Public Accounts Committee released a critical report detailing a cyber attack that granted hackers access to sensitive data within the department.
These details emerged in a parliamentary written response to a query from Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty for Huntingdon.
MoJ Minister Jake Richards stated: “All Ministry of Justice laptops and mobile phones are encrypted and protected to National Cyber Security Centre standards. The Department has mandatory reporting procedures for lost or stolen items, and incidents are investigated in line with security policy.”
