Heathrow has launched a ‘very very urgent’ investigation into how a memory stick containing confidential security information was found in a London street.
The USB stick was found by a passer by, who handed it to the Sunday Mirror.
According to the newspaper, the stick contained details of the security measures implemented and the exact route the Queen takes when using the airport, as well routes and safeguards for Government ministers and other VIPS.
The information also included a timetable of guard patrols, ID details and maps pinpointing CCTV cameras, network of tunnels and escape shafts linked to the Heathrow Express.
In all, there were 76 folders containing 174 documents on the USB stick, which was not encrypted and did not require a password, according the Sunday Mirror.
Some were marked ‘confidential’ or ‘restricted’ but could still be read.
The newspaper quoted a former counter-terrorism chief specialising in airport security, who said: "Why was this sensitive material held on an unencrypted memory stick and taken off site? It’s a huge security breach and massively embarrassing for those in charge of security."
A spokeswoman for Heathrow said an internal investigation has been launched into the data breach.
