Cyber Security Protocols

Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 6 September 2019

Friday, 6 September 2019

Ceisteanna (1527)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

1527. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there are dedicated, professionally trained and certified cybersecurity staff in relation to cybersecurity protocols under the remit of his Department; if such specialists are being recruited; if his Department maintains a risk register of security breaches; if so, if there are staff that analyse, log and maintain such a register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36223/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The National Cyber Security Centre is part of my Department and has responsibility for the implementation of the Network and Information Security (NIS) Directive. My Department works closely with the NCSC on the department's own internal network security and implements its recommendations as appropriate. The NCSC encompasses the State’s National/Governmental Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT-IE). CSIRT-IE is an internationally accredited response team.

The Department has recruited and employs appropriately trained and qualified personnel to the NCSC. Currently there is no active recruitment.

My Department applies the relevant cyber security protocols in its network, applications, data, operations, disaster recovery, business continuity and staff awareness through our Shared Service agreement with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). Under the arrangement, my Department relies on the resources of DAFM in relation to any cyber security incident.