The operation, co-operation and effects of VAHTI in 2010

Summary

Good information security is a precondition for a functional society in all circumstances. Information security forms an integral part of administrative operations and risk management as well as ensures the reliability, high quality, continuity and smoothness of operations.

The Ministry of Finance directs and coordinates the development of information security in public administration and especially in central government. The Ministry has appointed the Government Information Security Management Board (VAHTI) as the body for the co-operation, steering and development of Government information security. VAHTI handles all essential policy guidelines in information security in central government. The different sectors and levels of administration are represented in VAHTI.

The present Government Programme increases the tasks of the Ministry of Finance in the development of administration. In connection with the appointment of the new VAHTI, the role of VAHTI was strengthened and its tasks were specified to correspond to the Government Programme and the needs noticed in co-operation with the administrative sectors and offices.

The operations of VAHTI improve Government Information Security, and the effectiveness of the work can be seen, not only in administration, but also in undertakings and internationally. The outcome is a set of general information security instructions (www.vm.fi/vahti-ohjeet). Lead by the Ministry of Finance and VAHTI, several joint information security projects of the Ministries and offices have been successfully implemented.

In addition to State administration, the results of the operations of VAHTI are utilised in municipal administration, the private sector, citizen activities and international co-operation. VAHTI is inter alia known for its information security publications and its information security projects. The results of the operations of VAHTI are utilised in international information security work inter alia in the OECD and the EU. The material of VAHTI is estimated to be of high quality also in international comparison.

The role and tasks of VAHTI in the development, co-ordination, co-operation and steering of State information security have been further developed and strengthened. VAHTI handles all significant State Government information security guidelines and the steering of information security measures.

VAHTI has received several awards for its operations in improving the Finnish Information Security. In the latest OECD report on the development of the global information security culture, the operations and results of VAHTI are referred to in about dozen different contexts.

This publication describes the operation, co-operation and effects of VAHTI in 2010.

Language versions

• VAHTIn toimintakertomus vuodelta 2010, 1/2011
  10.05.2011
• VAHTIs verksamhet, samarbete och verkan 2010
  10.05.2011

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