Q&A: What is ransomware and why do cyber criminals use it?

Attacks more prevalent as hackers target known cybersecurity weaknesses in target organisations

Unlike other cyber attacks, ransomware does not steal data or secretly monitor computer systems, its purpose to extort money from targets. File Picture: iStock

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has been forced to shut down its IT systems this morning after being targeted in what Minister for State for Public Procurement and eGovernment Ossian Smyth has called "possibly the most significant cybercrime attack on the Irish State.”

Director general of the HSE Paul Reid has said that the health service is working with gardaí, the defence forces and third-party cybersecurity experts to respond to the attack.