The National Cybersecurity Center (NCCB) Ireland recently released the National Cyber Protective Plan. This comprehensive document was created following extensive engagement with both the public and private sectors, as well as through the analysis of two specialized exercises conducted in 2022 and 2023. Insights from the 2021 ransomware attack on the Irish healthcare service were also incorporated into the plan.
The plan outlines the strategies for announcing, managing, and coordinating national emergencies in the digital realm. It clarifies the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders during such critical situations and elaborates on the government’s approach to addressing significant cyber incidents.
Given the diverse nature of cyber threats, the plan establishes a flexible response framework to address various potential scenarios. It operates through three distinct modes:
- Permanent Regime: Involves routine business operations where situational awareness is maintained and preparatory measures are taken.
- Alert Mode: Activated upon detecting heightened digital risks in specific sectors, involving communication with relevant parties in the government and private sector.
- Full Activation: Triggered by an incident reaching the threshold of a national emergency, requiring the activation of the national coordination group for emergency situations led by the NCCB to ensure a cohesive, interagency response.
Richard Brown, Director of the NCCB, acknowledged the complexities of responding to digital emergencies at a national level, given the wide range of potential incidents and their impacts. The new plan establishes a unified structure for coordinating government actions in alignment with Irish and European regulations and policies.
The primary audience for the plan includes officials from government agencies directly involved in responding to national digital emergencies. Additionally, organizations providing essential public and private services, such as high-ranking officials, public relations personnel, and incident response teams, are also key recipients of the plan.
The publication of this plan enhances coordination with national emergency management strategies, bolstering the protection and support for the population amidst digital threats. It ensures the presence of effective national procedures to effectively respond to a variety of emergency situations.