Cyber crime hub to open in Cork

Gardaí will be opening a cyber security hub in the coming weeks in Cork, it’s been revealed.

The Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) will be opening the satellite hub as part of the GNCCB’s national expansion plan.

Other new satellite hubs are to be established in Wexford, Galway and Mullingar as part of the expansion plan.

The news came amid an extensive investigation by the GNCCB which led to three people being charged on Monday with various offences including unauthorised access to computer systems (hacking) and fraud.

Two men and one woman were charged in relation to the hacking the computer system of a company involved in vehicle parking systems. It is alleged their actions led to financial losses for both the relevant council and the business itself. They have since appeared before the courts in Cork. Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Cleary said: “The Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau is investigating a number of complaints of hacking and data interference. “People working from home during Covid-19 lockdown are advised to keep your personal data separate from your work data and to use encryption to protect your information. You should also back up your data regularly and report any suspicious activity or messages.”

Anyone who believes the network or data has been interfered with should contact their local garda station who can refer them to the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau.