Tag Archives: cyber attacks

AN URGENT warning has been issued to Clare’s business community following a sharp spike in cyber attacks targeting small to medium enterprises. Cyber security expert Edel Mee, who is based in Clarecastle, backed a recent appeal sent by The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) to the Small Firms Association (SFA). Both the NCSC and GNCCB warned of “a trend of small and medium-sized businesses being increasingly targeted by ransomware groups”. Ransomware attacks are just one of the multiple types of cyber crime directed at business and other organisations. They involve sending malware, mainly by email, which encrypts the user’s data. The cyber criminals then demand a ransom to unlock the system. While high profile cases involving the Health Service Executive (HSE) and other large organisations have received significant media attention, Edel said they are happening regularly to smaller enterprises. “IT security on a network is like your immune system,” she said. “If …

ISME, the Irish SME Association, in its E-crime report, has noted the high number of cyber-attacks on small and medium sized enterprises over the last 12 months. The issue of cyber-attacks and online computer related incidents has increased over the last decade. This E-crime report is part of wider research publication launched earlier this week and makes several recommendations on preventing and tackling cyber-crime. Commenting on the report, ISME CEO Neil McDonnell said, “Crimes against business takes many forms, but the area in which we see most increased activity is cyber-crime”. “Increased online business activity has expedited and expanded trade, creating a cheaper, more flexible, and far reaching business environment; but with this comes security risk”. “Businesses must become more aware of the threats posed by cyber-attacks and take proper preventative measures. It is worrying that 20% of businesses surveyed do not change their password settings. This is a very simple preventative measure any business can take”