2. July 2021

This article has been indexed from E Hacking News – Latest Hacker News and IT Security News

One of the UK’s leading cyber officials has cautioned of a rising threat to Ireland’s cross-border telecoms, energy, and transportation infrastructure while praising the UK’s continued close cooperation 

Lindy Cameron, CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), mentioned that the two countries had “shared cyber interests” and a strong bilateral partnership while speaking remotely at an Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) event in Dublin. 

This will become increasingly crucial, as per given the potential of increased cyber-threats affecting both Northern Ireland and its southern neighbor.

“Energy security for Northern Ireland is based on gas pipelines and electrical interconnectors to both Great Britain and across the border, including the Single Electricity Market. The energy sector is dependent on operational technology — connected systems that monitor and control automated industrial processes — to function effectively and efficiently,” Cameron explained. 

Cameron noted that it is a real possibility that this reliance on operational technology and the interconnected nature of the energy supply network on the island of Ireland combines to create a potential target for cyber-attacks.

Other probable concerns include a ransomware attack on the rail link between Belfast and Dublin, collectively operated by Northern Ireland Railways and Irish Rail, she noted.