Media Release

TransGrid Certified With Another First

22 December 2005

TransGrid has been recognised as the first state entity to receive certification to AS7799. This International Standard for security risk management is based on assessing integrity, availability and confidentiality of information assets. Assurance is gained through controls that TransGrid has created and maintains within the organisation.

TransGrid the New South Wales Manager and Operator of Australia's largest high voltage transmission system was awarded certification by ASI Global one of the world's leading business compliance organisations at an Award ceremony held in TransGrid's Sydney office today.

The certification adds to TransGrid's existing quality certification to ISO9001 and environmental certification to ISO14001.

The AS7799 certification means that the Information Security Management System (SMS) that TransGrid has initiated covering the security of its business processes meets the highest standards and is approved to be recognised by a qualified third party, SAI Global.

TransGrid, as the first Government Business to be AS7799 certified highlights the fact that the organisation's information regime has been subjected to a rigorous risk assessment process. This process identifies threats to, impacts on and vulnerabilities of information and information processing facilities and the likelihood of their occurrence in order that these threats may be at an acceptable cost.

TransGrid's Managing Director Mr Kevin Murray speaking at the award ceremony said, " TransGrid's core business of transmitting electricity is underpinned by the security of the organisation's information system including the IT infrastructure, information and records".

He went onto say " External certification of the information security management system by SAI Global will provide a strong message that TransGrid takes its responsibilities seriously and the organisation will constantly assess the security protocols and proactively look for ways to improve the way in which information security is managed".

SAI Global's General Manager New South Wales, Mr John Hunt said, "an important element of AS7799 is the need for continuous improvement across all facets of security management and TransGrid has certainly met the criteria required for certification. AS7799 has provided TransGrid with a security management framework that has enabled TransGrid to develop and implement appropriate controls based on established risk management principles".

Photograph shows: On left side is Mr Kevin Murray Managing Director TransGrid right side is Mr John Hunt SAI Global General Manager New South Wales.

For further information:
Contact: Joe Zahra
Telephone: 02 9284 3300
Facsimile: 02 9284 3522
Mobile: 0411 258 566