Covid certificates ‘could be edited’ by anyone in ‘worrying’ security glitch
Patients in Scotland can edit names and personal details on the forms, it has been revealed.
A security glitch has allowed people to edit their Covid vaccination certificates in Scotland.
The Holyrood Government is rushing to fix the issue after BBC Scotland reported it was able to download a certificate and change the name and address.
It also revealed how personal details could be edited using popular computer software programmes.
The Scottish Government said it is working to resolve the issue and the current system is only an ‘interim solution’.
A spokesperson added: ‘Records of vaccination status will be replaced by digital Covid Status Certificates in the summer, which will include vaccination and testing data to be used for outbound international travel.
‘The measures are intended to ease the burden on the NHS by removing the need for people to ask their GP for a status record.’
Demanding the glitch be fixed immediately, shadow health secretary Annie Wells said: ‘It’s extremely concerning that this security flaw has been uncovered at a time when people are looking for clarity from the Scottish Government around international travel.
‘Instead, their safety is being put at risk by yet another glitch from the SNP Government’s rollout programme, this time on vaccine certifications.
‘Vaccinations are our route back to normality and the Scottish Government has a duty to ensure this is done safely and efficiently.
‘This security flaw must be rectified instantly – we can’t run the risk of a two-tier vaccine system.’
Holyrood said only people travelling to a country where proof of vaccination is required to enter should ask for a letter.
In England, the NHS app can show a person’s vaccine status if enabled by a GP.
A trial on Covid status certificates has been ongoing south of the border since last month.
Boris Johnson’s government previously said the document would likely ‘become a feature of our lives until the pandemic recedes’.
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