To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many attempted hacking, suspected cyber attacks or other malicious computer security breaches were committed against the computer systems of (a) his Department and (b) HM Revenue and Customs in each of the last three years for which information is available; and if he will make a statement. (167990)

It is not in the interests of the UK’s national security for departments to confirm whether they hold information about attacks against their IT systems. This would enable individuals to deduce how successful the UK is in detecting these attacks and so assist such persons in testing the effectiveness of the UK’s IT defences. This is not in the public interest.