Back in 2009 it emerged that data lost from RAF Innsworth in Gloucestershire the previous September included 500 highly sensitive files, containing details of individuals’ extramarital affairs, debts and drug use.

An internal MoD memo passed to the BBC warned that the material “provides excellent material for Foreign Intelligence Services and blackmailers”.

On the same day, a report from the Information Commissioner told the NHS to improve its data security, after the watchdog took action against 14 NHS organisations in the last six months.

These issues have not gone away, to ensure that data is managed properly contact Secure Data Recycling and put down a program that will educate your staff and ensure that old equipment is disposed of in a secure, proffesional and auditable fashion.