Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Dec 2002

Vol. 558 No. 6

Written Answers. - Computer Security.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

115 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if all information electronically stored in his Department is adequately protected against hackers; if there have been breaches in this security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25279/02]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

My Department has invested considerable resources in providing in-depth security around its networks and servers. This includes installing multiple firewalls and active network monitoring. I am satisfied that these precautions provide a very high level of resistance to external attacks by hackers. There have been no recorded hacker attacks since we connected directly to the Internet and the security systems were put in place.

The security and integrity of electronic information is, and will continue to be, a high priority within the information systems division. Over the last year a comprehensive security strategy covering all aspects of the protection of information has been put in place and is being implemented according to the priorities set out in it.