11.7          Computer Systems

Schools generally are reliant on computer systems to maintain records and to process financial and management data. This imposes on Boards of Management a considerable responsibility in respect of data security and compliance with the Data Protection Act of 1989.

It is recommended to Boards that they take the following precautions:

• install anti-virus software;
• install a good quality back-up system;
• keep back-up disks locked securely in a fire protected cabinet/safe;
• establish the use of Passwords and assign appropriate levels of access;

§  mark all computer hardware equipment with a non-removable marking system.