Sir, – Jack Horgan-Jones’s article on cyberattack risk is another timely reminder of the fragility of our digital infrastructures worldwide and the potential for disruption from malicious attacks (“Ireland faces far greater cyberattack risk over next two years, security centre warns”, News, August 6th).
The National Cyber Security Centre’s report and the Assistant Garda Commissioner Michael McElgunn’s remarks on the security risks facing the State should be wake-up calls for the public and private sectors.
Cybersecurity is everybody’s business. The old adage “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link” is even more pertinent in today’s interconnected digital world.
Europe’s and Ireland’s digital infrastructures are dangerously exposed to Russian attacks. An order from the Kremlin could unleash attacks that would instantly wreak damage and social suffering.
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Given the scale, these risks need to be addressed at the highest political levels. Ursula von der Leyen should nominate a commissioner for digital and data infrastructures to co-ordinate interoperable EU-wide and national initiatives to secure our digital future and protect Europe from cyberattacks that could destroy our democracies. – Yours, etc,
DR DECLAN DEASY,
Castlebellingham,
Co Louth.
