Launch of makeITsecure campaign

The importance of network and information security cannot be underestimated in any economy and in particular the Irish economy which where the ICT industry is estimated to be worth in the order of 2 billion euro annually.

Computers and the Internet are wonderful resources. Their potential is limitless. They are increasingly important in business, education and for personal use. But we need to be aware of the potential dangers. Unwanted software can interfere or affect the information we receive or even the operation of a whole computer system. We can avoid and prevent that by taking some simple precautions.

This campaign make IT secure is the first time that Government and private industry have come together to create an awareness campaign that aims to educate Irish computer users about the simple steps that can be taken to protect our computers networks. The setting aside of competitive differences by consortium members is testimony to the importance of this message and the clear need to educate all Irish computer users. At this point I would like to acknowledge the support and contribution by all the participating companies and organisations. I hope that this campaign will be the first of many and that industry will continue to support such initiatives where Irish computer users will be kept aware of the latest threats to computer networks.

The need for vigilance in the area of computer security is ongoing. Figures released by the anti virus software company Symantec reveal that Ireland is the third highest originator of malicious software per head. The company also indicates that in the first six months of this year 4,496 new viruses and works were documented. This figure is more than four times greater than for the same period last year.

As part of the make IT secure initiative there has been a considerable amount of activity happening across the country in the past couple of weeks building towards today.

The activities include:

1. The printing and distribution of 800,000 campaign leaflets
2. The sending of in excess of 1 million emails containing the campaign information
3. Extensive coverage of the campaign in regional and national radio
4. Use of the 2FM Roadcaster in Grafton Street
5. Extensive interviews on campaign message on radio and television
6. Feet on the Street where 250 security ambassadors from the Department, Esat BT, Eircom and Microsoft who are distributing the campaign leaflets in towns throughout Ireland
7. A Research on the affect of the campaign
8. Creation of a dedicated website for general information on computer security

The timing of this campaign also complements a number of other initiatives currently underway where the Department is committed to the deployment of broadband as an essential tool for industry, commerce, education, health care and social inclusion.

You will all be aware, that Phase Two of the Governments Regional Broadband Programme will see investment in broadband networks in over 90 towns with a population of 1,500 and more, under a three-year programme with a dedicated budget of over €100 million.

In addition to this, I would expect to see over the next two years 150 smaller communities obtaining broadband connectivity by availing of the Governments Group Broadband Scheme, announced in March last with its own budget of €25 million.

The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is also working together with my former Department of Education and Science and the Telecommunications and Internet Federation of IBEC, where a joint project to deliver free broadband connectivity to each one of the 4,200 schools in the country by the start of the 2005 school year is already underway. Needless to say the question of network and computer security will be a key issue in designing this network.

I understand that this morning, you will be getting presentations from the DCM Group and Dee Carri on electronic security for business. This presentation has been organised as part of the wider campaign involving the make IT secure consortium. The participation of organisations such as the South Dublin Chamber of Commerce is invaluable in assisting in increasing awareness of the challenges on issues such as computer security for business.

It is through the combined efforts of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, the industry and organisations such as the Chambers of Commerce that we will create the best possible environment to increase access to, and maximise quality of, the growing range of e-services available to Irish people.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Chamber for affording me the opportunity to address you today and I wish you the best with the rest of your event.

Thank you for your attention.

For further information please contact http://www.makeitsecure.ie/