11. KEITH LOCKE (Green) Link to this
to the Minister in Charge of the NZ Security Intelligence Service
Can she confirm that she knows which foreign Government is behind cyber-attacks on New Zealand Government computer systems but will not say who; if so, is her reluctance to name names in any way related to New Zealand’s free-trade talks with China?
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK (Minister in charge of the NZ Security Intelligence Service) Link to this
Yes, I am kept well briefed on these matters. The answer to the second part of the question is no.
Does she believe that New Zealanders have the right to know which foreign country is endangering the security of our Government information, and that public embarrassment is the best medicine—as it was when she publicly scolded Israel for trying to obtain false New Zealand passports?
Does she think New Zealand can continue to effectively negotiate a free-trade deal with China if the Chinese Government is hacking into our computers and stealing information relevant to our bargaining position?
Will the New Zealand Government be joining the Governments of the United States, Britain, and Germany in protesting to China following allegations at the highest levels of those Governments that they are also being subjected to hacking by Chinese Government authorities?
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK Link to this
The latest I have seen is that foreign Governments have declined to accuse China in the way the member says. However, their behaviour is entirely a matter for them. We judge what is appropriate for us when it comes to considering who is behind such attacks.
Nandor TanczosWhy does the Government continue to rely on Microsoft products in Government departments and in Parliament when Microsoft is notoriously prone to security breaches; and when will we begin to see consideration given to open-source software that is more secure, more cost-effective, and anti-monopolistic?
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK Link to this
Madam Speaker, that might be a question more relevantly directed at you as Speaker. I am not responsible for the software used in Parliament.
Rt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
Why does the Government not advise the Greens that the Chinese Government is still communist, which will then enable Mr Locke to change his mind and start supporting the present regime?
Rt Hon HELEN CLARK Link to this
As far as I am aware, the Chinese Government describes itself as “communist with Chinese characteristics”.
I seek leave to table three documents. The first is from The Times of 27 August, and is headed: “China accused of hacking into—
Madam SPEAKERI seek leave to table the second document, also from The Times, dated 6 September, headed: “China ‘tops list’ of cyber-hackers seeking UK government secrets.”
The third document is from domain-B magazine, 10 September, and is headed: “Chinese military hacked into US defence secretary’s office”.