US warns Ireland is a target for cyber-spies due to data storage

Data in Ireland is breached, study shows

Vish Gain

April 23 2021 02:30 AM

Ireland is a target for cybercriminals due to the large amount data stored here, John Demers, the assistant attorney general at the US National Security Division has warned.

He was speaking at the IFPC2021 Cybersecurity and FinCrime conference which was streamed from Dublin to delegates representing over 90 countries.

Referencing American outlaw Jesse James’ quip about robbing banks “because that’s where the money is”, Mr Demers said: “Why would you do a cyber-intrusion in Ireland? Because that’s where the data is.

“Ireland has developed a wonderful ecosystem for US and European companies to thrive in, benefiting the companies, countries and Irish citizens.

“Having created that environment, it’s important to note that Ireland is now also a target for cybercriminals,” he added.

Asked about Ireland’s role in the cyberspace, he said: “There is a trust from US companies that their data will be protected in Ireland, and Ireland needs to protect that data.

“And this can be achieved through good funding and drawing talent from the companies and all over the world.”

As home to the European headquarters of some of the world’s biggest companies, Ireland is at a heightened risk of cyberattacks because it hosts not just the data of Irish citizens, but of citizens from all over Europe, Mr Demers said.

More than 30pc of all EU data rests in Ireland, according to the State’s Cybersecurity strategy document published last year.

In January, global law firm DLA Piper reported that Ireland has one of the highest rates of data breaches in the EU.

Its annual survey of GDPR fines and data breaches found 6,615 data breaches were reported to Ireland’s Data Protection Commission in 2020, the sixth-highest in Europe and third highest on a per capita basis.