Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
693. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps taken by his Department and the Property Registration Authority to ensure the security of the data held by the PRA; the extra resources provided to the PRA to secure the cybersecurity of their systems against false claims of registration of property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20981/22]
View answerThe Property Registration Authority (PRA) is very heavily dependent on the availability, reliability and integrity of information relating to the registration of property and deeds in Ireland. Information and communication technologies (ICT) governance and security are of critical importance to the process.
Accordingly, the PRA has a well-developed information security policy and access control regime in place which accords with best industry practice and which provides appropriate safeguards. Security policies, measures, activities, services and products are kept constantly under review as new threats come to light.
In recognition of this evolving landscape, the information security policy is underpinned by the following mechanisms:
- Use of 'best-of-breed' security procedures and security technology.
- A team within the ICT Unit dedicated to ICT/cyber security, reporting through its ICT Security Manager to the Chief Technology Officer and, ultimately, to the Chief Information Officer, who has a place on the Management Board. Specialist external expertise is also deployed in certain areas, for example, firewalls' management and monitoring and regular penetration testing.
- An ongoing programme of training and development for technical staff on security and related issues, relevant to the PRA’s technical and infrastructural environment.
- An ongoing programme of cyber security training for the staff of the PRA.
- A comprehensive online, nearline and offline electronic data backup policy and regime.
My Department works with the PRA on staffing issues on an ongoing basis to ensure that appropriate resources are in place to deliver on its mandate
