Ireland joins the Microsoft Government Security Program (GSP)
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From: Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
- Published on: 15 June 2022
- Last updated on: 29 August 2022
The government has announced that it has joined the Microsoft Government Security Program (GSP). The GSP will assist the government in defending critical national infrastructure against cyber-attacks.
Ireland’s participation in the program will enable controlled access to source code, exchange of threat and early warning vulnerability information, and the ability to engage on technical content about Microsoft’s products and services.
The Minister of State with responsibility for Communications, eGovernment and Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth, said:
"Microsoft products are widely used by both public and private bodies. This new partnership between Microsoft and Ireland will be a key enabler in protecting the State’s digital infrastructure from cyber threats."
On a visit to Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington, the Director of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Dr. Richard Browne said:
"Microsoft and the NCSC have worked closely together on a number of cyber-security issues over the past several years. Today’s announcement formalises that cooperation. Participation in Microsoft’s Government Security Program provides another important resource which the NCSC can use in defending the government and critical infrastructure from the persistent threat of cyber-attacks."
Commenting on the announcement, Dr. Frank O’Donnell, Public Sector Lead, Microsoft Ireland, said:
"Microsoft is delighted to welcome the Irish Government to the Microsoft Government Security Program, joining over 45 other countries and international organisations represented by over 90 agencies. We look forward to working with the government to build further trust through transparency."
In addition to visiting Microsoft and touring its Digital Crimes Unit, Minister of State Smyth and the Director of the NCSC attended a series of engagements on the west coast the United States with a number of public representatives, information technology companies and cyber-security companies.
ENDS
Notes to the Editor
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) was founded in 2011 and is an operational cyber security unit of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. The NCSC is responsible for advising and informing Government, Critical National Infrastructure providers, business and the general public of current threats and vulnerabilities associated with network information security.
The main roles of the NCSC are to lead in the management of major cyber security incidents across government, provide guidance and advice to citizens and businesses on major cyber security incidents, and develop strong international relationships in the global cyber security community for the purposes of information sharing.
In July 2021 the government agreed to a significant expansion of the NCSC and the unit is on track to double in size by the end of this year.
Harnessing Digital – Digital Ireland Framework (National Digital Strategy)
The recently launched Harnessing Digital – Digital Ireland Framework outlines Ireland’s ambition to be a digital leader at the heart of European and global digital developments. It sets out a pathway to drive and enable the digital transition across the economy and our society. It aims to maximise the well-being of our citizens, the efficiency of public services, as well as the productivity, competitiveness, innovation and sustainability of our economy. Further details can be found at: gov.ie - Harnessing Digital - The Digital Ireland Framework
Europe’s Digital Decade is the EU’s vision for digital transformation by 2030. The EU Commission proposes a Digital Compass for the EU's Digital Decade that evolves around four cardinal points. The first two are focused on: digital infrastructures; and education and skills. The other two are focused on the digital transformation of business and public services.
Digital Connectivity Strategy for Ireland
The Digital Connectivity Strategy for Ireland directly supports the digital infrastructure dimension described in the Harnessing Digital – Digital Ireland Framework. The Digital Connectivity Strategy for Ireland also addresses the digital infrastructure pillar of Europe’s Digital Decade.
The department recently hosted a public consultation on the draft Digital Connectivity Strategy for Ireland. The draft strategy sets out the State’s ambition for digital connectivity to be achieved by 2030. It also sets out the key 'enablers' that will ensure that these targets are met. These 'enablers' include:
- delivering the National Broadband Plan
- safeguarding our international connectivity
- implementing our Cyber Security Strategy
- fostering best-in-class regulation
- improving the efficiency of deployment, via the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce; and
- supporting new and innovative connectivity solutions