Ireland is wide open to cyber attacks
Warning after public service websites hacked
IRELAND is wide open to attacks from cyber criminals and rogue states, it was claimed yesterday.
The warning comes after it emerged dozens of our public service websites were hijacked by hackers at the weekend and used to produce a cryptocurrency similar to bitcoin.
Fianna Fail technology spokesman James Lawless said: “The Government isn’t treating cyber security with the seriousness it deserves. Ireland’s capabilities are woefully inadequate.
“The national cyber security centre is grossly under-resourced and it is unable to carry out the task it was established to do.
“The cyber security strategy expired last year and we are still waiting for a replacement. Ireland’s strategy is rudderless and lacking in direction.” Public service bodies and companies were yesterday moving to ensure their websites were secure after dozens were reportedly compromised by so-called coin-jacking software.
This malicious code turns any computer that connects to the infected website into a device that mines or generates a particular cryptocurrency on behalf of those behind the operation.
It is understood the HSE was among dozens of Irish bodies whose websites were affected.
RTE reported others hit included the Department of Agriculture, Dublin City Council and Fingal, Cork, Wexford, Offaly county councils. It is also believed the Houses of the Oireachtas, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, Women’s Aid and the Central Remedial Clinic were affected.
Deputy Lawless added: “All EU member states, including Ireland, must have the National Information Security Directive in place by May 2018.
“This aims to boost cyber security across the EU.
“However, no legislation has been published to deal with this. It seems no one in Government is taking responsibility for the cyber security of our State.”
Ireland’s cyber crime strategy is rudderless and lacking in direction james LAWLESS ON TECH SECURITY FAILINGS