Zurich security breach affects 51,000 customers

by Gill Montia

Story link: Zurich security breach affects 51,000 customers

Zurich Insurance plc has announced that it has written to around 51,000 general insurance customers and other parties in the UK regarding the loss of a back-up data tape in South Africa.

The tape, which also holds details of customers and other parties in South Africa and Botswana, was lost in August 2008 during a routine transfer to a data storage centre.

Zurich says its investigation have revealed deficiencies in the management of data tape security procedures.

The letters set out the recommended precautionary measures that customers can take as well as the steps that Zurich UK has in place to support policyholders.

The group has confirmed that, to date, there is no evidence to suggest that the information contained on the tape has been misused or compromised.

The company has appointed KPMG to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and has also taken steps to improve security.

UK Life policies are not affected by the incident.