Ireland Faces Escalating Cyber Threats, NCSC Director Warns

The cyber security landscape in Ireland is rapidly deteriorating, with threats already exceeding expectations from late 2025, according to Richard Browne, Director of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). A recent NCSC assessment highlighted an increased risk of cyber attacks, but Browne indicates the situation has worsened due to a surge in AI-enabled attacks.

The Evolving Threat Landscape

Speaking on RTÉ radio on February 18, 2026, Browne described the current situation as a “race” against malicious actors. He emphasized the pervasive nature of cyber threats, noting that nearly every aspect of daily life – from healthcare and energy to government and telecommunications – is vulnerable. The interconnectedness of systems means that even seemingly unrelated actions can have significant cyber security implications.

Rise of AI-Enabled Attacks

A key driver of the escalating threat is the dramatic increase in attacks leveraging artificial intelligence (AI). The NCSC’s December assessment is already becoming outdated due to this rapid evolution, with aspects of the report already manifesting as real-world threats. This highlights the speed at which the cyber security landscape is changing.

Cyber Espionage a Regular Occurrence

Browne confirmed that cyber espionage – the theft of information from systems – is a regular occurrence in Ireland, particularly targeting government entities but also extending to other sectors. Whereas the State has not publicly attributed specific attacks to particular countries, the NCSC is aware of the origins of these threats. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has not formally blamed any specific nation for cyber incidents.

Strengthening Ireland’s Cyber Defenses

Efforts are underway to bolster Ireland’s cyber security capabilities. A recent bill, expected later in 2026, will empower the NCSC to accept a more proactive role in addressing these threats. This will be followed by a new National Cyber Security Strategy, which will outline the priorities for the next three to five years. The NCSC also plans to increase its staffing levels to meet the growing demands.

Support for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)

Recognizing the challenges faced by SMEs, the NCSC is launching a new website offering free tools and resources to help businesses assess their cyber risks and implement appropriate security measures. This initiative builds on the NCSC’s existing “cores” – coordination and response groups – which support critical infrastructure sectors, with a new dedicated SME core now being established.

NCSC’s Core Functions

The National Cyber Security Centre operates with three primary functions:

• Incident Response: Managing the full spectrum of cyber security incidents, from small-scale events to major national crises.
• Resilience Building: Enhancing cyber security across the public and private sectors through various initiatives.
• Strategic Direction: Setting the strategic direction for national cyber security and ensuring its integration into broader national strategies, and policies.

Richard Browne was appointed Director of the NCSC in January 2022, having been with the centre since 2014 and having led the development of the State’s two national cybersecurity strategies to date. Read more about Richard Browne.