Written question asked by Bernard Jenkin (Conservative) on Tuesday, 8 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 January 2002. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 January 2002 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the protection of MoD defence computer networks from potential cyber attacks since 11th September.

Answer: Mr. Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the protection of MOD defence computer networks from potential cyber attacks since 11 September. [26634] Mr. Ingram: The Defence Manual of Security mandates the baseline security requirements which must be met before Communications and Information Systems (CIS) are allowed to handle official information: these requirements have already been framed with the protection of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) computer networks from potential cyber attacks in mind. The MOD is continuously reviewing and seeking ways to improve the security of CIS. Since 11 September, MOD has: Instituted a review of all its systems to ensure compliance with security regulations; Speeded up the existing programme for deployment of Intrusion Detection Systems on key elements of the CIS infrastructure; and Established the Joint Security Co-ordination Centre as a 24-hour focal point for MOD's alert, warning and response capability.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 26634; 378 c312W;378 c326W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Data protection Computers Computer networks ICT Ministry of Defence Terrorism
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk