The ransomware attack on the HSE has opened Ireland’s eyes to the dangers of cyber attack, but the State is more than a decade behind Estonia, which suffered unprecedented attack in 2007. Blamed on Russia, the attacks subsided after a few weeks and left no permanent damage, but it ensured Estonia would never underestimate the value of cyber security or the danger of failing to protect vital assets, including hospitals. The year after the attack on its computer systems Estonia became the headquarters of the Nato co-operative cyber defence centre of excellence, which Ireland is now joining as a contributing partner. Each one is equally likely to happen, unfortunately.”ResilienceAs Irish officials face uncomfortable questions over how cyber security has been funded, staffed and prioritised over many years, Estonia’s resilience brings to mind the old adage that prevention is better than cure. “Ireland is a wealthy nation – Estonia couldn’t afford not to see security as an inherent part of every information system and every database.

Source: The Irish Times May 22, 2021 00:00 UTC