Gardaí are warning of an increase in ransomware cyberattacks targeting small businesses.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) say they have seen a noticeable change in the tactics of criminal ransomware groups, whereby rather than focussing on Governments, critical infrastructure, and big business, they are increasingly targeting smaller companies.
Both agencies are advising that ransoms should not be paid to criminal groups as there is no guarantee that paying a ransom will lead to stolen data being successfully decrypted.
"We have seen an increase in ransomware attacks against businesses, where payments are demanded to regain access to critical data information systems," said Assistant Garda Commissioner Paul Cleary.
"The impact of these types of crime can be significant where companies are no longer able to function and recovery costs are potentially severe," he added.
Gardaí are also warning that hackers are designing smarter and more sophisticated phishing emails, used by attackers to lure people into disclosing personal details or clicking on malicious links.
These emails target the most vulnerable in society, including older people.
October is European Cyber Security Month, and a public awareness campaign has been launched focussing on phishing and ransomware, urging vigilance and outlining the potential impacts on individuals and businesses.
A key focus will be on informing the public, in particular older people, on how to avoid becoming a victim of email phishing, how to spot the tell-tale signs of these types of emails and what to do if a person has fallen victim to an e-mail phishing attack.
Age Action and Age Friendly Ireland will use their networks to get the cyber safety message out to senior citizens and the wider community.
Cyber security agencies will host webinars and take part in roadshows throughout October to highlight cyber risks and promote awareness among the small and medium enterprise business sector.
They will also conduct several briefings for Operators of Essential Services and Government Departments to raise awareness of cyber security threats.
"The ability of international criminal gangs to launch ransomware attempts against Irish entities from anywhere in the world reinforces the importance of having well-designed and resilient cybersecurity procedures and systems in place," said Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee.
The Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Ossian Smyth said there is an increasing and worrying trend globally of SMEs being targeted by ransomware groups.
"We are also aware of the different forms of phishing out there," Mr Smyth said.
"European Cyber Security Month is a terrific way to raise awareness of these issues amongst small and medium sized businesses and amongst all Irish citizens," he added.
