Trust and Security

The Directions and Priorities for Government ICT aims to promote the electronic delivery of government services and information by using the Internet. To achieve this, New Zealanders must have confidence with technology and feel safe about using the Internet. This means, for example, that people need to have confidence that their personal privacy is not compromised and that they are dealing with a legitimate government agency. Agencies need to have confidence that they are delivering information and services to the right person. That information must also be secure from a wide variety of threats that arise from use of the Internet and other technologies.

Managing Risks

Advice on Using Offshore ICT providers

In 2009, the State Services Commission released advice to help agencies take a professional approach to considering offshore ICT providers as an option to improve service delivery. Government Use of Offshore Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Service Providers: Advice on risk management identifies key risks associated with sending government data offshore or outsourcing data processing and management services offshore. It includes suggestions for mitigating those risks.

It was not intended as a prescriptive policy, rather information and suggestions that departments can take into consideration within existing frameworks for procurement and ICT management.

Hosting Websites Offshore

There are no specific policies permitting or prohibiting the hosting of government websites overseas. However, agencies should assess the risks and benefits involved, so that informed decisions can be made. The Overseas hosting risk analysis (State Services Commission, 2007) provides a template for the assessment of the risks involved in offshore hosting of websites. Similar considerations can apply in the case of outsourcing generally.

Trusted Computing & Digital Rights Management

In 2006, a cross-government e-GIF working group issued a paper about principles and policies agencies should apply when considering use of digital rights management technologies - so that the integrity of government-held information is preserved. Archives New Zealand is the current custodian of this area of advice. 

Trust and Security on the Internet

Trust and Security on the Internet, was a State Services Commission report that assesses some of the key threats on the Internet as they relate to online government services. This paper from November 2004 signalled the advice to agencies that would be developed in subsequent years.