Cyber security warning for public bodies after scam

The cybersecurity of all taxpayer-funded bodies is set to be investigated after a foundation used to raise donor funds for Trinity College lost almost €1m when it was targeted by fraudsters in an online scam.

The Dáil Public Accounts Committee is insisting that an immediate review of all defences is needed after the scandal was uncovered by foreign bank officials along with Irish and international police — saying at least one other institution and a local authority have also fallen victim to similar attacks.

In correspondence to the PAC seen by the Irish Examiner, Trinity College provost, Patrick Prendergast, confirmed that the college’s foundation charity was targeted by an international cyber attack last year.