HC Deb 16 January 2002 vol 378 c326W
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.