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Govt IT equipment losses show need for security policies

Issued : Friday 1 February, 2008

"The loss of almost one hundred laptops and desktop computers from Government departments over the last five years shows the need for a strong overall policy on data encryption and protection," Labour's Spokesperson on Education and Science, Deputy Ruairi Quinn has said.

"It is a fact of life that computer devices will be lost, or due to their value, stolen from time to time. The revelation in response to a series of Dáil questions I tabled this week, that almost one hundred laptop and desktop computers, as well as at least 14 Blackberry mobile phones and eleven portable storage devices, have been lost of stolen over the past five years brings back into focus then need for strong security policies across all Government departments.

"More and more confidential data about people is available to Government today, particularly in areas like Social Welfare and Health. This allows for better and more focused services to be delivered, but it also creates a risk that must be mitigated. Computer devices of all varieties must be encrypted and protected with strong passwords. We have seen from recent revelations in the UK that missing computer disks and laptops, some with confidential intelligence information, can cause distress for both Government and citizens.

"Data security must be taken seriously. We should treat personal electronic date with the same care and respect as a toxic chemical - it is dangerous, long-lasting and once it has leaked there is no getting it back."