Reading Borough Council has installed an encryption system to protect sensitive data and increase home and mobile working.

John Barnfield, Reading’s IT programme and service delivery manager, says data is increasingly accessed away from council sites and offices, creating a need for an additional layer of security.

‘We needed to ensure we had a secure data protection system for information that the council is holding on laptops when they are out in the field,’ he said.

‘Unfortunately, we are seeing increasing trends of laptop theft. Encryption makes sure that devices are appropriately protected.’

The DESlock+ system from Data Encryption Systems – installed by Northgate Information Systems – provides an encrypted, password-protected data area on the laptop, and cannot be accessed if someone finds or steals it.

‘With this system we can be certain that whatever data users put on their devices, it will not fall into the wrong hands,’ said Barnfield.