27/09/2019
New Cybersecurity Guidelines For Govt Providers
New cybersecurity guidelines for operators of essential State services to safeguard against cyber-attacks and other cyber risks have been published by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Richard Bruton.
There are around 70 organisations designated as 'Operators of Essential Services' in the State. These are bodies which manage critical infrastructure and are spread across the health, energy, transport, financial services, drinking water and digital sectors.
Minister Bruton said: "We must ensure that those who operate essential services in the State are protected from hacking and other cyber risks. These new guidelines will ensure that the relevant organisations have the necessary safeguards in place to protect themselves and the people they serve."
In accordance with the guidelines, operators are required to follow best practice, identifying risks to their systems and putting in place robust protection and detection mechanisms. The guidelines also set out a protocol in relation to responding to a cyber-security incident.
The guidelines set out a number of principles, which operators are expected to apply when putting in place safeguards. Security measures must be:
• Effective now and into the future
• Tailored to the individual organisation's needs
• Compatible with organisation's needs and services it provides
• Proportionate to the risks
• Concrete and easy to understand, with clear lines of responsibility
• Verifiable to ensure the service can provide evidence that the relevant policies have been followed
• Inclusive.
These guidelines will complement a broader suite of measures for protecting State infrastructure, which will be contained in the new National Cyber Security Strategy which is currently being finalised.
Minister Bruton said: "Internet based technologies are now fully embedded in everything we do. This has huge benefits but brings with it new risks which we must safeguard against. These new guidelines will ensure our essential services operate in accordance with best practice."
(MH/CM)
There are around 70 organisations designated as 'Operators of Essential Services' in the State. These are bodies which manage critical infrastructure and are spread across the health, energy, transport, financial services, drinking water and digital sectors.
Minister Bruton said: "We must ensure that those who operate essential services in the State are protected from hacking and other cyber risks. These new guidelines will ensure that the relevant organisations have the necessary safeguards in place to protect themselves and the people they serve."
In accordance with the guidelines, operators are required to follow best practice, identifying risks to their systems and putting in place robust protection and detection mechanisms. The guidelines also set out a protocol in relation to responding to a cyber-security incident.
The guidelines set out a number of principles, which operators are expected to apply when putting in place safeguards. Security measures must be:
• Effective now and into the future
• Tailored to the individual organisation's needs
• Compatible with organisation's needs and services it provides
• Proportionate to the risks
• Concrete and easy to understand, with clear lines of responsibility
• Verifiable to ensure the service can provide evidence that the relevant policies have been followed
• Inclusive.
These guidelines will complement a broader suite of measures for protecting State infrastructure, which will be contained in the new National Cyber Security Strategy which is currently being finalised.
Minister Bruton said: "Internet based technologies are now fully embedded in everything we do. This has huge benefits but brings with it new risks which we must safeguard against. These new guidelines will ensure our essential services operate in accordance with best practice."
(MH/CM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 March 2024
BCC Unveils Refreshed Strategic Plan For Belfast City Centre
New plans to support the most vulnerable in Belfast while growing the economy, regenerating neighbourhoods and achieving climate targets have been published in a refreshed strategic plan for the city. First published in 2017, the Belfast Agenda set out joint vision for the city up to 2035.
BCC Unveils Refreshed Strategic Plan For Belfast City Centre
New plans to support the most vulnerable in Belfast while growing the economy, regenerating neighbourhoods and achieving climate targets have been published in a refreshed strategic plan for the city. First published in 2017, the Belfast Agenda set out joint vision for the city up to 2035.
26 March 2024
New Manifesto To Transform NI's Credit Union Network
The Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) has launched a new policy manifesto to support the Northern Ireland Assembly in bringing about essential changes and recognising the essential role of credit unions within communities and the wider economy.
New Manifesto To Transform NI's Credit Union Network
The Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) has launched a new policy manifesto to support the Northern Ireland Assembly in bringing about essential changes and recognising the essential role of credit unions within communities and the wider economy.
26 March 2024
Environmental Report Highlights 'Failure To Act'
A new environmental report highlights Northern Ireland's failure to act on protecting its environment, Alliance's Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA has said.
Environmental Report Highlights 'Failure To Act'
A new environmental report highlights Northern Ireland's failure to act on protecting its environment, Alliance's Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA has said.
26 May 2016
New Local Climate Change Guidelines Published
New Local Authority Climate Change Adaptation Strategy Guidelines have been published by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Denis Naughten.
New Local Climate Change Guidelines Published
New Local Authority Climate Change Adaptation Strategy Guidelines have been published by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Denis Naughten.
22 September 2015
New Certification Guidelines Issued For GPs
New guidelines for certification for all GPs in Ireland have been produced following a six-month research study by the Department of Social Protection's Medical Review and Assessment Service and led by Dr. Clement Leech, Chief Medical Officer.
New Certification Guidelines Issued For GPs
New guidelines for certification for all GPs in Ireland have been produced following a six-month research study by the Department of Social Protection's Medical Review and Assessment Service and led by Dr. Clement Leech, Chief Medical Officer.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.