The cyber attack on the HSE’s computer systems may have been caused by something as simple as an employee clicking on a link in an e-mail. It may have had been embedded in the HSE’s IT systems for a number of days before the cyber attack was discovered in the early hours of Friday morning. It is not yet known whether sensitive patient data has been stolen or compromised in the cyber attack. The Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) are working with other agencies in the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in attempting to “manage” the situation however gardai have not yet launched a full investigation. Last year there was a major increase in resources at the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) with the recruitment of 50 additional detectives and 20 civilian staff – doubling the unit’s capability.

Source: Irish Independent May 15, 2021 12:07 UTC