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 Thursday, 10 February 2000. It was answered by Jane Kennedy (Labour) on Thursday, 10 February 2000 on behalf of the Lord Chancellor's Department.

Lord Chancellors Dept

Question: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his Answer of 31st January, 343 c472W, on computers, what action has been taken to prevent internal hacking incidents on Court Service computers, particularly files containing (a) the personal details of jurors or witnesses and (b) details of the jury selection procedures.

Answer: Mr. Burstow: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his answer of 31 January 2000, Official Report, column 472W, on computers, what action has been taken to prevent internal hacking incidents on Court Service computers, particularly files containing (a) the personal details of jurors or witnesses and (b) details of the jury selection procedures. [109387] Jane Kennedy: The Court Service carries out security risk analyses on all its major computer systems to ensure they comply with the security guidelines laid down in HMG's Manual of Protective Security. The countermeasures implemented include unique user names, secure passwords and access to systems and areas of systems on a `need-to-know' basis. Passwords are changed regularly. All staff are provided with guidance on how to maintain system security. Some juror details are held on systems which are owned and managed by the Department's PFI partners. Security measures have been conveyed to them and are contractual.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 109387; 344 c238W
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Crime Computers Juries Lord Chancellor's Department Security Witnesses Hacking Court Service