The Irish Times view: ‘Critical concern’ over Ireland’s cybersecurity
ComReg says it is now a matter of “critical concern” that it is not possible at present to guarantee secure telecommunications networks in the absence of access by private companies to intelligence on national security risks.
The Government should give careful consideration to the advice it has received from the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) to allow intelligence on threats to national security to be shared between State agencies and the private sector. ComReg says it is now a matter of “critical concern” that it is not possible to guarantee secure telecoms networks in the absence of access by private companies to intelligence on national security risks.
With the ongoing rollout of 5G technology, nation states or groups acting on their behalf pose the biggest threat to cybersecurity, according to the submission to the Government’s consultation process on the issue. Along with the Garda, Defence Forces and the National Cyber Security Centre, ComReg is responsible for guarding Ireland’s networks against cyber attack.