RTÉ Investigates Potential Cyber Threat: National Cyber Security Center Issues Alert
Dublin, ireland – Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTÉ, is currently scrutinizing a potential cybersecurity incident following a weekend alert from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).The NCSC, a key division within the Department of Justice tasked with monitoring online threats to the state, reportedly contacted RTÉ with information regarding a possible cyber attack.
An RTÉ spokesperson confirmed the broadcaster was “contacted by the NCSC over the weekend regarding information it had become aware of” and is “currently reviewing this information and assessing its veracity.”
Sources familiar with the situation indicate that the NCSC’s alert pertains to a threat that may target multiple state bodies, with an apparent deadline of August 4th. It is understood that up to seven organizations could be affected,and the NCSC believes RTÉ is among those possibly targeted. While the exact nature of the threat remains undisclosed, speculation suggests a ransomware element could be involved.Despite the alert, sources emphasize there is currently no high degree of alarm surrounding the situation.This advancement comes at a time of heightened awareness regarding Ireland’s cybersecurity defenses, especially in the wake of the crippling 2021 cyber attack on the Health Service Executive (HSE). That incident, which disrupted numerous health service systems, resulted in significant data breaches, and incurred costs exceeding €100 million, has led to over 470 legal proceedings against the HSE, according to figures from last year.
The head of the NCSC previously cautioned that Ireland faces a “far greater” risk of significant cyber attacks than previously experienced. In 2023, the NCSC processed over 5,200 reports, leading to 721 confirmed incidents and 309 investigations. The majority of these incidents were classified at the lower end of the NCSC’s five-level seriousness scale, with none reaching the top two categories.
The department of Justice has stated that the NCSC does not comment on operational matters. The outcome of RTÉ’s review and any further developments are awaited.
Keywords: RTÉ, Cyber Security, National Cyber Security centre, NCSC, Cyber Attack, Ransomware, Ireland, State Bodies, HSE Cyber Attack, Data Breach
