Pupils’ names and class details may be exposed after thief snatches school snapper’s memory cards

Camera cards stolen overnight

Pret-a-Portrait told Priory School that a vehicle was broken into overnight between 6 and 7 October. A camera bag containing SD memory cards was taken. Headteacher Curtis-Brignell said some cards may have held photographs from the school, along with images of QR code cards displaying pupils’ names and class names. The equipment had also been used for three photography jobs after the company visited Priory School on October 1.

Potential pupil information exposed

The information potentially involved includes photographs, pupils’ names and class information connected with the photography process, Curtis-Brignell said. Nick Kerr, owner of Pret-a-Portrait, said no printed photographs were in the vehicle. He told The Register that the possible extent of the data protection issue could not be established, although there was nothing to suggest the files had been improperly accessed.

Company changes access procedures

According to the headteacher’s email, Pret-a-Portrait took school photos offline and changed the IDs used to access them. It also changed its procedures so SD cards are wiped after each commission.

Curtis-Brignell said the school worked with its Data Protection Officer and Pret-a-Portrait to assess the potential risk and ensure appropriate action had been taken. She acknowledged that the email could cause concern.