David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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607. To ask the Minister for Health if he will outline the additional measures put in place or planned measures to be put in place by his Department and the HSE in relation to cyber security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12814/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Improved IT security measures have been put in place within my Department.  A complete security review of the infrastructure was undertaken and specialised software has been installed to mitigate against malicious software, and to provide early warning notifications of same.  The system is fully monitored, providing for a rapid response to any notified incidents. 

My Department, in conjunction with our security partner, the National Cyber Security Centre and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, continue to assess requirements against best practice and industry standards when upgrading ICT infrastructures. 

Regular updates are issued to staff regarding cyber security issues and my Department is currently sourcing a mandatory Cyber Security Awareness Training platform to develop and deliver an ongoing security programme, aligned with the Department’s policies, that will provide topical and engaging material in order to promote cyber security awareness and reinforce a culture of best practice.

In respect of the HSE, as this is a service matter, I have asked them to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.