The Office of the Ombudsman is responding to a cyber security attack. Photo: Getty
A cybersecurity incident has occurred involving unauthorised access to the IT systems to the Office of the Ombudsman.
It is understood that this is a financially motivated ransomware attack and a forensic investigation is ongoing
In order to minimise the potential threat, systems have been taken offline while the incident is being investigated, the office said in a statement this afternoon
The Office of the Ombudsman are working with the National Cyber Security Centre and external specialists to assess the extent of the incident and to “support containment and recovery” of their systems and data.
“To further protect individuals, the Office of the Ombudsman has taken legal steps, including securing an injunction from the High Court to restrict any publication of potentially stolen information,” the statement said.
The Office of the Ombudsman is responding to a cyber security attack. Photo: Getty
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – Wednesday, December 17.
The Ombudsman, Ger Deering, said that the priority is to establish what has occurred, restore services safely, and protect the people who rely on the services of the Ombudsman and the Offices it supports.
The Ombudsman said: “I want to apologise for the inconvenience caused and for any concerns that this creates for the people who use our services. We appreciate your patience and assure you we are doing everything possible to resolve the matter and restore our services”.
The incident has also been notified to the Data Protection Commissioner and An Garda Síochána.
The Office of the Ombudsman investigates complaints from members of the public who believe they have been unfairly treated by certain public service providers. The Office also provides IT services to the Information Commissioner, the Commissioner for Environmental Information, the Protected Disclosures Commissioner, the Standards in Public Office Commission and the Commission for Public Service Appointments.