§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many cases of computer misuse there were in his Department(a) in 1997 and (b) since 2002–03, broken down by each category of misuse; and how many of those cases resulted in disciplinary action. [162395]
§ Mr. BrowneThe Department treats very seriously any suspicion of misuse of computer systems by staff and takes firm action in any cases that arise. All such cases, if proven, result in disciplinary action being taken against the offender leading to either a disciplinary penalty or dismissal.
Data relating to 1997 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Tables provided as follows detail the number of cases formally investigated and proven by category for 2002–03 and 2003–04. All these cases have resulted in, or are in the process of having disciplinary action taken.
Computer misuse 2002–03 Category Number Unauthorised access to computer systems 29 Use of unauthorised software 3 Manipulation of computer systems 2
Computer misuse 2003–04 Category Number Unauthorised access to computer systems 31 Use of unauthorised software 8 Manipulation of computer systems 0 The figures Provided for 2003–04 cover the year to date and represent proven cases. Several investigations are ongoing, but have not been included, as the results are not known yet.
Excludes minor cases handled locally.