News - Trust and Security on the Internet

Trust and Security on the Internet

8 December 2004

A new report, published by the E-government Unit, assesses threats on the Internet as they relate to e-government.

The report explores the links between security and the use of Internet-based online services; assesses the perception versus the reality of security around these services; weighs the risks of security failures ability to damage the uptake of online government services; and looks at technical, educational and legislative options to improve security (real and perceived) on the Internet.

The report also contains a list of recommendations for government action to mitigate some of these online security threats.

Trusted Computing Steering Group Convened

Eleven government agencies have appointed representatives to the newly-established Trusted Computing Steering Group.

The purpose of the Trusted Computing Steering Group will be to oversee the way that government responds to some significant challenges it will be facing regarding the integrity of government-held information. The emerging technologies related to trusted computing and digital rights management are expected to have significant implications for the way government undertakes its business, and the Steering Group will work to ensure that the strategy and policy issues are addressed from an all-of-government perspective.

Representatives on the group are from the E-government Unit, Archives New Zealand, the Ministry of Economic Development, the National Library, the Treasury, New Zealand Police, Government Communications and Security Bureau, the Ministry of Justice, the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Department of Internal Affairs, and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.

The group will be addressing a range of issues in the new year, and will also be looking at the best ways to engage in consultation and communication across government.

For more information, www.e-government.govt.nz/trusted/