Vol. 529 No. 1
1111 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation 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. [2547/01]
My Department does not record the number of viruses received in incoming e-mails, but rather the type of virus that was received. During 2000, seven different types of virus were intercepted, each on multiple occasions. The Department maintains a strict anti-virus policy and all staff are kept informed of latest developments and best practice. In addition, industry standard anti-virus software is in place and updated weekly. Accordingly, no actual virus infections have penetrated our defences.
1112 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation 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. [2562/01]
Both my Department and our Internet service provider operate "firewall" software designed to prevent unauthorised access to our information technology systems. No attempts to hack into the Department's e-mail system have been recorded to date.
