Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2021
471. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if his Department’s IT systems have been the subject of ransomware or any other variation of cyber-attack from 1 January 2020 to date; if so, the number of such incidences that have occurred; the response made by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29575/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department became aware of some irregular activity on its network on the afternoon of Thursday 13 May 2021, and immediately notified the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and implemented further security measures.
The IT systems were the subject of an attempted ransomware attack on 14 May 2021. The attack was contained and prevented from executing across the IT infrastructure. All ICT systems were immediately shut down as a precautionary measure. This is the only such incident to have occurred.
Improved security measures have already been put in place within my Department's IT systems. A complete security review of the infrastructure is being finalised and specialised software has been installed to mitigate against malicious software, and to provide early warning notifications of same. The system is fully monitored, providing for a rapid response to any notified incidents.
My Department continues to liaise closely with the NCSC, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, our security partner and with colleagues across the Public Service to ensure that best practice is followed as it relates to all aspects of Cybersecurity.
