Expert horrified by ‘serious lapses’ in Parliament security

Date: 11/09/03

By Peter Chapman

A HIGH-TECH security guru has exposed glaring security breaches at the European Parliament in Brussels, which could leave it vulnerable to terrorist attack.

Simon Perry, vice-president for security strategy at American computer software giant Computer Associates, said he was amazed after witnessing, first hand, "serious lapses" when he visited the chamber to meet MEPs and experts on IT security.

The Parliament's director of security, Francesca Ratti, admitted that "nothing was working as it should" when Perry visited because the Parliament is in a "transitional period" following changes to the accreditation system for visitors.

Perry, who has advised Wall Street banks on network security, said he was surprised that the entry pass he received, after handing over photo ID, gave him licence to move around the Parliament buildings at will.

"All I was asked by security guards was whether I had a valid badge. I could have given that to anyone," said the Australian expert. "Let's just say security could be updated to best practice, given that it is the European Parliament and also the second anniversary of 9/11.

"In New York, if you go for a meeting with JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs or Chase Manhattan, you won't just be asked for your photo ID at the front desk. They would check your face and take a digital photo; you will be issued with a badge and escorted in the building."

The ink on Wall Street security passes is even designed to fade as soon as a meeting is over, he added.

Francesca Ratti said security had been beefed up, with the accreditation system moved away from the main entrance to reduce congestion and cut down the risk of people sneaking-in undetected.

She said photo IDs were issued in most cases except for 'day passes' issued to special guests or people known to MEPs or Parliament staff. "We do our best, but there is no such thing as 100% security," added Ratti.