Bernard J. Durkan
Question:151 Mr. Durkan asked the Taoiseach the number of occasions on which viruses occurred in incoming e-mails in his Department in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2534/01]
Written Answers. - Departmental E-mail System.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:152 Mr. Durkan asked the Taoiseach the number of occasions on which hackers have attempted to breach his Department's e-mail security in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2549/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 152 together.
The security of my Department's e-mail system is under constant review with a variety of measures in place to counter security risks. These measures include systems to minimise the risk of the introduction of computer viruses – in effect, e-mails are screened for viruses prior to entering the Department's e-mail system. Records of such incidences are maintained for six months, a breakdown of which can be seen at appendix A.
My Department does not have records concerning actual or suspected incidents of computer hackers accessing, or trying to access, its e-mail system.
Appendix A
|
Month |
Number |
|
August 2000 |
9 |
|
September 2000 |
8 |
|
October 2000 |
10 |
|
November 2000 |
8 |
|
December 2000 |
20 |
|
January 2001 (to 26 January) |
7 |
|
Total for 6 month period |
62 |