§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much has been(a) budgeted and (b) spent by his Department since April 2002 on (i) combating computer fraud, (ii) preventing theft of computers and (iii) safeguarding the security of information held on computer; and if he will make a statement. [128772]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThis Department manages the security of its information, including information held on its computer systems, in accordance with the guidance given in the Manual of Protective Security; a comprehensive body of policy and interdepartmentally agreed security standards that is issued by the Cabinet Office.
The Department has an experienced IT security officer and deputy who advise how IT systems should be designed to minimise risk.
Portable IT equipment In London, at particular risk, is electronically tagged to prevent unauthorised removal and this has contributed to a reduction in the level of theft. The maintenance cost of the tagging system is £15,000 a year.
All external links to the Department are protected against unauthorised access by firewalls. Anti-virus software protects the Department's systems against malicious software at an annual cost of £45,000.