Ireland's cybersecurity body to get power to scan the networks of State institutions

The general scheme of the new National Cyber Security Bill proposes to give the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) a statutory role in protecting Ireland's national security. iStock

The State’s cybersecurity body is to have the power to actively scan networks of State bodies and critical online bodies in a bid to prevent and detect malicious attacks by criminal gangs and hostile states.

New legislative proposals will grant the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) the power to place “sensors” on the systems of designated essential and important entities, with the consent of those bodies, as part of this role.