Pat Larkin: We need a radically different approach to ransomware and cybercrime

The apparent partial climbdown by the HSE attackers needs to be treated with caution, but points to an opportunity to adopt a radically different approach to securing Ireland from future attacks, writes Pat Larkin.

Aside from the impact on business and civic life, suffering further cyberattacks on critical services may also damage Ireland’s image abroad. Picture: Getty Images

There is some important context to the threats we face. We are one of several countries whose healthcare systems and other critical services have, and continue to, suffer significant cyberattacks. 

Attacking a healthcare system, regardless of actor or motivation, is a very insidious and repugnant activity, with a high potential impact on patient care and mortality outcomes. Non-critical organisations and citizens also suffer similar attacks daily.