Ireland is facing an “escalating” cyber threat landscape as a result of increased cybercrime, hacktivism and “state-aligned threat actors,” according to the National Cyber Security Centre.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) today launched its 2025 National Cyber Risk Assessment, which offers an overview of the cyber threats, systemic risks, and sectoral vulnerabilities facing the State.
It is intended to evaluate the key cyber risks that are affecting and could potentially affect the country, especially those impacting critical national infrastructure such as energy, transport, water management, banking and internet connectivity.
“As technology has advanced and reliance on digitalisation has intensified, the cyber threat landscape has become more complex with an increased risk of incidents leading to significant cross sectoral impacts,” the report reads.
The assessment identified three key systemic risks facing Ireland: the “dynamic geopolitical environment”; evolving technology and its implications on security; and supply chain security.
“If any or all these risks were to be realised, it could undermine Ireland’s delivery of essential services, disrupt its critical sectors, and erode trust in government, institutions, and organisations,” it says.
In light of the identified threats, the NCSC makes five recommendations: strengthen visibility and detection; implement proactive cyber defence capabilities; enhance national resilience; secure critical supply chains; and invest in national cyber resilience.
Speaking at the launch of the report, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan said that Ireland’s digital infrastructure “underpins all sectors of our society, delivering essential services that keep our hospitals, public transport, communications, and energy supply functioning”.
“Cybercrime can have severe consequences. Identifying and developing comprehensive responses to risks that threaten these services is essential to protect our security and overall resilience.
“Opportunistic and motivated by financial gain, cybercriminals persistently seek out weaknesses in cybersecurity, exploiting victims using social engineering, online fraud scams and ransomware to steal money or data,” the minister said.
Meanwhile, Director of the NCSC, Richard Browne, said that national security resilience “increasingly depends on the integrity, availability, and security of its digital infrastructure”.
“This 2025 National Cyber Risk Assessment clearly shows that cyber risks are evolving rapidly and that our critical infrastructure, government systems, and society as a whole face growing exposure.
“The report provides an essential evidence base for strengthening Ireland’s preparedness, resilience, and strategic response to these threats,” he added.
The 2025 National Cyber Risk Assessment can be found in full here.