Local administrative organizations (LAOs) hold the notorious distinction of being the worst offenders when it comes to personal data breaches among all state agencies, says the Digital Economy and Society Ministry (DES). The ministry conducted sweeps across 31,561 state-operated units to gauge the extent of personal information leakage from last November until July 31.
They found a staggering 6,086 cases of data breaches. Fortunately, 6,081 units and agencies were promptly informed and advised on how to plug their security gaps, according to DES Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong.
This operation was led by the Personal Data Protection Commission’s (PDPC) “Eagle Eye” center, a specialized team tasked with keeping a sharp lookout for abuse and misuse of personal data. Mr. Prasert pointed out that the trend of data leakage has seen significant improvement. From a ghastly 31% data leakage rate per month in November, the number has plummeted to a comparatively modest 1.6% by the end of July.
The biggest culprits? The LAO workforce, responsible for 2,850 out of the 6,086 cases. Adding to the scandal, there were 139 instances where officials from state units were found illegally peddling citizens’ personal information. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau wasted no time, launching probes and arresting 11 suspects linked to this nefarious activity.
The DES ministry has taken these breaches seriously, directing the PDPC to spread awareness about the Personal Data Protection (PDPA) Act. They’re also committed to keeping a close eye on any future data leaks from state agencies. These agencies must regain public trust by adopting stringent security measures and legal protocols, Prasert emphasized.
Encouragingly, despite the lingering issues, the overall frequency of personal data leaks is on the decline. Nevertheless, state agencies tasked with delivering public services still remain the breeding ground for these infractions. The DES ministry has vowed to tackle personal data abuse head-on, engaging both the private and public sectors in this endeavor.
State agencies allowing such transgressions could face severe legal repercussions and fines under the PDPA law, warned the DES minister. It’s clear that the ministry means business when it comes to safeguarding your personal information.
It’s alarming that the LAOs are so negligent with our data. They need to be held accountable!
Totally agree. But I also think the PDPC’s ‘Eagle Eye’ initiative is a step in the right direction.
Yeah right, like one initiative will actually fix this mess. This is just political grandstanding.
SkepticalSam might have a point, but some action is better than none. We need to demand more robust measures.
Absolutely, they need more stringent penalties. Maybe then they’d take data security seriously.
How can we trust state agencies when they’re the ones leaking our data?!
It’s not just about trust, it’s about competence. Clearly, they’re not competent enough.
True. Maybe it’s time we reevaluated who we put in charge of our data.
I’ve been saying for years that the government needs to get its act together with IT infrastructure.
Completely agree, Sally. Cybersecurity should be a priority, not an afterthought.
Exactly, and it’s frustrating to see this happening repeatedly. When will they learn?
So relieved the numbers are going down, but why were they so high to begin with?
Probably because no one was doing their job properly. Classic government inefficiency.
Well, inefficiency or not, at least they’re making some progress now.
This ‘Eagle Eye’ thing sounds like a PR stunt. I’ll believe in its effectiveness when I see long-term results.
Maybe it’s a PR stunt, but it could still have a positive impact. Awareness is key.
The numbers are shocking, but it’s reassuring to see arrests being made. We need more transparency.
Transparency is essential. Without it, these promises are meaningless.
Exactly, accountability and transparency go hand in hand.
It’s about time they start enforcing the PDPA law harshly. These data breeches are unacceptable.
Yup, hefty fines and legal action might finally make them take data protection seriously.
State agencies need to undergo rigorous cybersecurity training and regular audits.
Not sure if training alone will help. They need a complete overhaul.
I hope private sectors are also learning from this mess because they’re not immune either.
Private sectors might even be worse. They at least get caught less often.
Why not invest in better technology and security systems from the get-go?
Cost is always a factor, but neglecting security is way more expensive in the long run.
Exactly! A breach can cost millions. Better to invest upfront.
The fact that people are illegally selling our info is appalling. Throw the book at them!
Doesn’t shock me one bit. People are greedy. Always have been, always will be.
Greedy or not, they need to face the legal consequences.
Hope they do more than just ‘spread awareness.’ We need concrete actions, not just words.
Bringing awareness to PDPA is good, but enforcement is what’s truly needed.
It’s disheartening to see so many data breaches. Are there any guarantees this will stop?
No guarantees, but improvements are being made. It’s a work in progress.
Anyone else find it ironic that the government is both the problem and the solution here?