Civil servants blocked from remote login as Government IT workers investigate 'potential vulnerability' 

'Out of an abundance of caution, we are shutting down all remote access to the network while we investigate further', an email to staff read

The email added that the IT service desk was 'monitoring the situation closely', while apologising for any disruption to operations. File picture

Remote logins within parts of the civil service were shut down over the weekend, with the Government chief IT officer raising concerns about a “potential security vulnerability”.

In an email sent to civil servants on Saturday, the IT service desk for the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) said it had been made aware “of a potential security vulnerability affecting some of our perimeter hardware”.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are shutting down all remote access to the network while we investigate further,” the email read, while confirming department staff could still access the network from within Government offices.

The email added that the IT service desk was “monitoring the situation closely”, while apologising for any disruption to operations.

A further email, sent on Sunday, confirmed that remote access was restored.

“As a precautionary measure, and while we continue to monitor the situation closely, remote access is currently restricted to connections originating within Ireland. This additional security control has been implemented to help reduce the risk of potential malicious activity while our investigations remain ongoing,” the email read.

“Users who have a legitimate business requirement to access services from outside Ireland should contact the service desk. A process is in place to review and facilitate approved access requests where required.

“We will continue to monitor the environment and take any necessary actions to ensure the security and availability of our services.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Public Expenditure confirmed the actions in a statement.

“The actions taken over the weekend were purely precautionary and all services are fully available,” the spokesperson said.

“Our department, like most organisations, has normal ongoing security vigilance measures in place and takes precautionary action if we become aware of any potential security threat or vulnerability.”

Social Democrats TD and Public Accounts Committee member Aidan Farrelly said it is unclear how widespread the issue was.

“It's absolutely critical that State IT defences and cyber security are capable and resourced,” Mr Farrelly said.

"The State retains important and very personal data sets. As a Public Accounts Committee member, cyber security resourcing is something I will be querying departments and agencies on regularly."

The OGCIO resides within the Department of Public Expenditure, with the office acting as the Government’s main advisor on IT, digital inclusion and accessibility.

The measures from the OGCIO come amid warnings that Ireland faces a “disproportionate” cyber threat from hostile forces, due to the county’s role as a major hub for multinational tech firms.

The Government’s draft cyber security strategy says the State faces its greatest threats from cybercrime groups.

• Tadgh McNally is a Political Reporter.