Cyber Security Protocols

Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 6 September 2019

Friday, 6 September 2019

Questions (1696)

Jack Chambers

Question:

1696. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there are dedicated, professionally trained and certified cybersecurity staff in relation to cybersecurity protocols under the remit of her Department; if such specialists are being recruited; if her Department maintains a risk register of security breaches; if so, if there are staff who analyse, log and maintain such a register; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36222/19]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

My Department currently has one (1) professionally trained in cybersecurity, member of staff in relation to cybersecurity protocols under my Department's remit. In addition we have a further three (3) members undertaking training in security fundamentals with a goal to further specialisation in cybersecurity training on behalf of the Department. There are currently no specialists being recruited for this purpose.My Department maintains a risk-register of security breaches and there are staff who analyse, log and maintain such a register. I am advised that there have been no cyber security breaches within the Department in the past 12 months.In addition my Department continues to engage with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) based in the Department of Communications, Climate Action Environment and receives regular updates from the State's national/governmental Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT-IE).