Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2008
531 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures or policies that have been implemented to prevent loss of private data from laptops, Blackberries and other hand-held devices in his Department; if he is satisfied that all personal information held within his Department is secure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35663/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a secure and robust Information Technology infrastructure, at both the hardware and software levels, that provides protection for all of its electronic information.
Laptops distributed to staff within my Department are used primarily to facilitate secure remote access to the Department's computer network and applications and to assist staff in preparing work related presentations, spreadsheets and documents. While accessing the system remotely, the corporate data continues to be stored in the Department's secure data centre rather than on the laptop.
All Departmental laptops are protected by use of a user-id and password and the Department has commenced a programme of encrypting all laptops used by its staff.
The Department has in place policies for the secure handling and use of mobile devices.
On an ongoing basis, the Department reminds staff of the importance of IT security and of their responsibilities in the protection of personnel/private data.
