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Information and Communications Technology

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2019

Tuesday, 5 November 2019

Questions (996)

Alan Kelly

Question:

996. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to protect her Department in the event of a malware attack or security risks as a result of the failure to upgrade computers from an operating system (details supplied) in her Department and the agencies under her remit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44737/19]

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Written answers

As outlined in my response to the Deputy's other questions relating to this specific operating system, there are only two computers in my Department utilising that system at present. They are stand alone machines and not on my Department's network. They do not represent a security risk.

In addition, my Department implements a multi-layered approach to cyber security and to protecting our ICT systems, data and infrastructure. This includes preventative controls like firewalls, anti-virus and endpoint protection. Software vulnerabilities are managed by maintaining up-to-date versions.

My Department does not provide ICT infrastructure or ICT support to any of the agencies under its remit. For this reason I have asked the Adoption Authority of Ireland, the Ombudsman for Children's Office and Tulsa - the Child and Family Agency to respond directly to the Deputy on this issue.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

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