Written question asked by Lord Allan of Hallam on Wednesday, 21 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 January 2004. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 January 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what audit mechanisms are in place to determine whether information technology (a) hardware and (b) software products are being used properly in his Department.

Answer: Mr. Allan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what audit mechanisms are in place to determine whether information technology (a) hardware and (b) software products are being used properly in his Department. [150933] Mr. Rammell: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office uses a number of means to determine whether its IT is being used properly. These include: constantly monitoring activity on the IT infrastructure system, Firecrest, including access to websites, and following up any unusual activity; information systems audits by our internal audit department; requiring all IT users to read and complete an annual certificate of compliance with the security operating procedures; and checks by IT security advisers that security operating procedures are being followed. Post implementation reviews are conducted after a project to deliver new IT has finished, to assess whether the expected benefits are being achieved. The way the system is being used is one aspect of this assessment.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 417 c291-2W; 150933
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Software Computers ICT Government departments Internet Monitoring Standards Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk