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The Government has unveiled its inaugural National Cyber Security Annual Update, highlighting the extensive efforts made to strengthen Ireland’s cyber security landscape. Minister of State Ossian Smyth, from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, announced this update as a follow-up to the 2020 National Cyber Security Strategy, reflecting public calls for greater transparency and regular insights into Ireland’s cyber protection initiatives.

This update, a collaborative work involving the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, and the Department of Foreign Affairs, gives a comprehensive overview of Ireland’s progress in areas like cyber resilience, skills development, and cyber security awareness. The report underlines Ireland’s progress in defending critical national infrastructure and advancing cyber security awareness in academia, industry, and society.

Minister Smyth remarked:

“I am very pleased today to present the National Cyber Security Annual Update for 2023 to you today. This update comes as a direct response to the public’s calls for more frequent reporting, for greater insight, and transparency into the Government’s efforts in the cyber security arena.

I would like to recognise the excellent progress that has been made to date in implementing our Strategy across all levels of Government. This tireless work has helped increase Ireland’s resilience to cyber threats. What this Annual Update shows is that the Irish government is committed to protecting the State’s critical infrastructure, developing skills and capacity in civil society, and safeguarding Ireland’s continued digital transition.”

For those interested, the full report is available here.

€2 Million Cyber Security Improvement Grant for SMEs

Minister Smyth also announced the launch of a €2 million Cyber Security Improvement Grant in partnership with the NCSC, aimed at supporting Irish SMEs in enhancing their cyber defences. This grant builds upon the existing Cyber Security Review Grant by Enterprise Ireland and is available to SMEs that have undertaken the initial review, offering funding of up to €60,000 per company to implement essential security upgrades.

The funding covers 80% of project costs and allows eligible SMEs to fortify their operations against evolving cyber threats. Supported by the European Union’s Digital Europe Programme, this initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Ireland’s business resilience. Applications are open until 8 December 2024.

Joseph Stephens, NCSC’s Director of Resilience, emphasised the grant’s role, saying:

“This funding is a strategic investment in the security of Ireland’s growing small businesses. With cyber threats continuing to grow in sophistication, we must ensure that companies have the support to implement robust measures and protect their data, operations, and customers. The Cyber Security Improvement Grant provides practical assistance to strengthen defences and raise cybersecurity standards across the country. The measures we are targeting for improvement align with the obligations of the NIS2 Directive, allowing companies to prepare.”

For more information on applying for the Cyber Security Improvement Grant, visit the NCSC website.