Public Consultation Launched On National Cyber Security Strategy

The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton T.D, has launched a public consultation on a new strategy to protect individuals, businesses and Ireland's national security from cyber-attacks.

The plan will set out how best to ensure the resilient, safe and secure operation of computer networks and associated infrastructure used by the State, Irish citizens and business. It will also include a framework to protect against threats such as hacking, cyber-crime, cryptojacking, hacktivism and cyber espionage.

Minister Bruton encouraged interested parties to have their say on what the new strategy should look like. He commented: "We have seen the risks that cyber-attacks can pose to a state's security. We must ensure that our hospitals, schools, personal data and state infrastructure are protected and that Ireland is not vulnerable to such threats. We also need to make sure that individuals and businesses have the necessary safeguards in place to protect themselves.

"As a society, we have benefitted hugely from internet based technologies; however this reliance brings with it a number of new vulnerabilities and risks, each posing some challenging questions for Government and for society. This is an issue of national importance. Today we are consulting on a new strategy which will see a stepping up of our capacity in this area."

The Minister also acknowledged the opportunities for Ireland: "Already, more than 6,000 people in Ireland are employed in the Cyber Security sector; we are well placed to take further advantage of the fact that Ireland has become a home for so many data centric industries, and to build further opportunities for employment growth.

"The development of a new National Cyber Security Strategy marks a significant step forward in increasing Ireland's preparedness for dealing with cyber security incidents, and positioning ourselves as a society and economy to take full advantage of the opportunities to create more high value technology jobs."

The consultation opened today, Tuesday 19 February, and includes 10 specific questions, seeking responses and ideas as to how the State can respond to all of these issues – both threats and opportunities.

Anyone can make suggestions for the draft guidelines, which can be found here.

Interested parties have 30 working days to submit their ideas for consideration before the final version of the strategy is published.



(JG)