Ireland has seen an increase in the amount of cyber attacks and a likewise increase in the severity of said attacks. These attacks have targeted Irish politics, such as the voter registration portal and also the Department of Foreign Affairs. These attacks have also targeted critical infrastructure and banking systems used by civilians in order to cause disruption and extract funds from the civilian population through ransomware attacks. Correspondingly, Ireland has seen an increase in investments into its cyber defence industry which has seen the launching of several businesses and joint training operations which will increase the effectiveness of Ireland’s cyber security apparatus.

Key Judgment 1. It is highly likely that Ireland will be the subject of increasing amounts of cyberattacks aimed at destabilising Irish politics.

Key Judgment 2. It is likely that cyber attacks in Ireland will increasingly target the civilian population in order to cause disruption.

Key Judgment 3. It is highly likely that Ireland will increasingly build up its defences against mounting cyberattacks through various methods.