Update: Security of Telecommunication Systems – Communications, Energy & Natural Resources 23rd October, 2014

[Ref No.: 40870/14]

*  To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which unilaterally or in conjunction with his EU colleagues, adequate provision continues to be made to safeguard the security of telecommunication systems through the prevention of hacking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Bernard J. Durkan.

*    For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 23rd October, 2014.

(667  Received on 20th October, 2014.)

REPLY

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Alex White)
The security of telecommunications networks is, in the first instance, a matter for the telecommunications operators.

Under the Communications Regulation Act 2006 as amended, the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Framework) Regulations 2011 and the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Privacy and Electronic Communications) Regulations 2011, telecommunications operators are obliged to take “ appropriate technical and organisational measures to appropriately manage the risks posed to security of their networks and services . ”

The legislation also includes reporting obligations to the relevant regulatory body. This includes the Commission for Communications Regulation and the Data Protection Commissioner.

My Department also has a role in working with telecommunications operators perparing for and managing cyber incidents, through the National Cyber Security Centre.