As government organisations make greater use of IT and increasingly rely on the correct operation of their computer systems in enable them to meet their statutory obligations, sound IT security is becoming a vital factor
Heavy reliance on IT:
used to assess and collect taxes;
assess and pay social security benefits and pensions;
inventory control and fixed asset records;
pay bills and employees;
maintain accounts;
Pressure to deliver services:
more use made of IT - drive for better service at reduced cost;
governments more sensitive to complaints on sub-standard services;
increasing emphasis on reliable services - private sector can do it, why can’t government?