Dear silicon.com... Data breach row, hotel iMac, wi-fi piggybacking: yay or nay?

Reader Comments of the Week

What's got silicon.com readers reaching for their keyboards this week? Reader Comments of the Week showcases how our users are responding to the latest tech news and views on the site...

UK's worst security breach
Missing: 25 million child benefit records

This case seems to have involved both procedural and supervision failures not only at HMRC but also at the National Audit Office. How could auditors have thought it acceptable to be sent the entire database (with only password protection) by (outsourced) internal mail? Who audits the auditors?
-- Anonymous, Hove

Even if the CD's are posted using recorded delivery it only means they are informed once they have gone astray. It does not ensure they get there or are not stolen. My small firm is aware of this and it looks like the government is too now.
-- Mike Poole, Edinburgh

If this story wasn't so tragic, it'd almost be funny...

If any silver lining can be brought from this fiasco - is that the ridiculous ID card idea will finally* be put to rest.

*by finally i mean "until this all blows over"
-- Christopher Hubbard, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

We should be at the end of our patience with regards these types of failures.

Once again, it seems that we accept an apology and move on...to the next mess.

If they proceed with ID Cards now, I will see this like a slap in the face!
-- Richard Davies, North Yorkshire

I heard on the TV yesterday that when challenged about ID cards a government spokesman said "this is EXACTLY why we NEED ID cards".

I see, they've been scrabbling around trying to justify the need for ID cards - and now (they think!) they've invented one.
-- Dave Brown, Essex

And when everyone in the country has their ID on the database and the same thing happens? Another example of the hopeless mismanagement and lack of respect and consideration for the population by our Government. Darling and the rest of them should resign.
-- Robert Wingfield, London

Editor's choice

silicon.com editor Steve Ranger flags up his picks on the site this week...

♦ From CIO to consultant: Knowing when to say no
♦ Photos: Six unusual power sources
♦ Malware: From bedroom to boardroom
♦ Betfair betting engine goes supersonic
♦ Photos: High life at the high-tech hotel

Up the Apples and pears?
Photos: High life at the high-tech hotel

By having Apple Macs, does that make it even more "high tech"?!?...
-- GK, UK

oh please please please lets hold a M$ convention in that hotel
-- Karen Challinor, UK

This little piggy…
Wi-fi piggybacking is OK, say silicon.com readers

Would all of these people be happy if a broadband piggybacker downloaded, illegal and/ or obscene material using their connection? Then there are the potenial threats to the security of the data on your own machine...

Don't leave security to chance, you may regret it later, please secure your wi-fi.
-- Michael Dean, Manchester

It's fine provided you don't mind people reducing your bandwidth (and eating into any capping of course) by online gaming, streaming videos, video chatting and skyping (using your connection as a free telephone).

Whilst they're there they might as well look at any files on your computer. Alter a password or two. And of course if they've got any viruses or trojans, no doubt they'll be happy to share those with you.
-- Anonymous, UK

Please note, comments may be edited for clarity - but are not corrected for grammar, spelling, punctuation or style. The views expressed are not necessarily the views of silicon.com. You can write to silicon.com by posting a Reader Comment below, or emailing editorial@silicon.com.