Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 7 February 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 February 2000. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Monday, 14 February 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answer of 2 February, 343 c590W, on computers, what action has been taken to reduce the number of internal incursions into computer files containing classified information. - (Holding answer 10 February 2000).

Answer: Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 31 January 2000, Official Report, column 590W, on computers, what action has been taken to reduce the number of internal incursions into computer files containing classified information. [109457] Mr. Spellar [holding answer 10 February 2000]: My Department is continuously reviewing, and seeking ways to improve, both the procedural and electronic security of its systems. Electronic measures include the identification and authentication of users and audit of user activities. Before any IT system is allowed to operate it must obtain a security approval known as accreditation. All MOD staff are required to read and agree to comply with the Security Operating System for the system that they will use.

Secondary information