Security in the Government Sector
Protect - Detect - React
www.security.govt.nz

Frequently Asked QUestions

Classification of Information

Q. If disposal instructions do not state "comply with provisions of the Archives Act 1957", can my agency do with them as we please, within the bounds of the disposal requirements ?: A. No. Common sense should prevail. Unless explicitly excluded, compliance with existing legislation must be assumed. Also be aware that an agency could have additional legislative requirements relevant to their specific business, not just the generic requirements such as the OIA or Privact Act.
Q. Can I declassify or reclassify information that I receive from another department ?: A. No. Only the originating department can declassify or reclassify the document. If you cannot determine the originator, refer the matter to your desk officer at the State Services Commission.
Q. Who has responsibility for information with no owner (such as an agency that no longer exists) ?: A. Refer to the State Services Commission in the first instance.

Q. Are there any guidelines on the secure disposal of PCs and the information on them ?: A. Yes. Systems which process classified or sensitive information, typically have traces left on storage devices which need protection against electronic scavenging. This includes hard disks, CDROMs, floppy diskettes, flash cards, RAM, etc. Refer to GCSB NZSIT 207 - Declassification of Storage Media.

Q. I have heard that some countries do not allow encrypted computer media across their borders, what do I do ?: A. Border control in some countries may seize encrypted material, for law enforcement reasons. Departments should contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for information on the process to legally transport encrypted material across borders.

Q. I have heard that some countries seize encrypted laptops at their borders, what do I do ?: A. Departments who encrypt their laptop contents (due to the greater risk of theft) may have them seized by border control in some countries, for law enforcement reasons. Departments should contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for information on the process to legally transport encrypted material across borders.

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Last Updated: 05-Jul-2001 10:27:03 a.m.