Victorian public sector Agencies need to be more aware of corruption risks associated with the unauthorised release of information, according to a research report released by the States anti-corruption agency, the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC).
IBAC Commissioner, Robert Redlich released the report, Unauthorised access and disclosure of information held by the Victorian public sector, which analysed key risks associated with unauthorised access and disclosure of information and explained how the misuse of information or material could be considered corrupt conduct.
“IBAC’s research reports help the public sector understand corruption risks and provide information on how to improve systems, processes and controls to prevent corruption,” Commissioner Redlich said.
“The public sector holds vast amounts of personal information, much of it sensitive,” he said.
“It is vital that this information is properly secured and managed.”
Commissioner Redlich said the report showed that unauthorised access and disclosure of information were key enablers of other corrupt behaviour, yet were often rated as low-risk by agencies.
He said the unauthorised use of data could: threaten community safety; increase the costs of Government-funded projects and contracts; reduce the amount of money available for public services; and make people reluctant to share information with the Public Sector.
“The Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner has established mechanisms to improve information security through the Victorian Protective Data Security Framework,” Commissioner Redlich said.
“There is a clear opportunity, however, for public sector Agencies to be more proactive in implementing safeguards.”
He said Public Sector Agencies could better prevent and detect misuse of information through: comprehensive audit programs to identify and deter misuse; improving procurement processes; raising awareness among government employees and the community of risks; and raising awareness of the importance of reporting incidents when they do occur.
The 26-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
