Government Communications Headquarters is facing scrutiny after failing to track thousands of removable storage devices, including USB sticks and external hard drives, as first reported by Tech Radar.
The Investigatory Powers Commissioner's Office released a 2025 report confirming that the intelligence agency cannot locate or verify the status of thousands of storage units. While the agency estimates the missing hardware is protected by encryption or PIN access, the watchdog expressed significant concern regarding the lapse in security protocols. This issue is not new, as the oversight body first raised alarms in 2024 and requested that Government Communications Headquarters and MI5 review their internal audit procedures. The watchdog noted its disappointment regarding the slow pace of the investigation and the time taken to implement remedial actions. Although the agency cited technical difficulties in tracking the equipment, it has now commissioned a new monitoring tool to address the oversight. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in managing sensitive hardware within high-security environments, prompting calls for continued senior-level supervision to mitigate potential risks associated with the lost devices. The agency continues to work on locating the missing items to provide a final confirmed count.
Source: Tech Radar
