Angus Council needs to spend £850,000 on computer network security

Angus Council is having to spend £850,000 to make sure its computers can communicate securely with the systems of other public bodies.

It needs to be able to share certain data with the police, the NHS and other parts of government over the public services network (PSN).

A report to councillors explained: “Connection to the PSN is key to the operation of a number of council services relating to activities including child and adult protection, registration services and revenues and benefits.

“The council is required to meet a strict set of technical standards to protect the security of the entire network. Our compliance with this code of connection is assessed by the UK Government’s Cabinet Office annually.”

An IT expert was asked to look at the council’s computers and has recommended that redundant operating systems are removed and the PSN network is separated from other networks, including ones with public access.

The report said this work would require the reallocation of funds from the capital spending plan.

But it added: “The changes required will add additional security without a detrimental impact on performance.”