Rose, who was appointed to the top job at the embattled retailer
on 31st May, was alerted to the security breach when he contacted
his mobile operator mmO2, and was asked to supply a newly created
password that he said he had not set up.
An unknown individual had apparently contacted O2 earlier,
provided sufficient details to gain access to his account records,
and then set up the new security code, according to reports.
Suspicions were raised that someone had gained unauthorised
access to the account after news stories appeared in the press,
seemingly based on confidential records.
The issue of Rose's telephone conversations is a sensitive one
at the moment, given that the Financial Services Authority has just
launched an investigation into possible insider trading relating to
the hostile takeover attempt by businessman Philip Green.
According to M&S, "In response to increasing concerns about
access to his personal records, Stuart Rose has issued a number of
notices under the Data Protection Act requesting details of any
personal information held by them."
In general terms, under the Act, any company that retains
personal information about an individual is obliged to let that
individual know, within 40 days of a written request, what
information is being held on them.
