Four Years On: Strengthening Cyber Resilience Through Collaboration and Strategy
Four years ago, the Health Service Executive (HSE) faced one of the most significant cybersecurity crises in Ireland’s history, the Conti cyber-attack. It disrupted critical systems, challenged our response capabilities, and tested our resilience. Yet, despite the severity of the situation, the recovery and rebuilding efforts became a testament to collaboration, expertise, and shared purpose.
From the moment the attack was detected, cybersecurity professionals, national and international partners, and HSE teams mobilised to contain the impact, restore services, and safeguard patient care. The road to recovery was not just about technical remediation—it was about harnessing collective knowledge, implementing strategic improvements, and reinforcing a long-term commitment to cyber resilience.
In the years since, cybersecurity threats have continued to evolve, increasing in sophistication and frequency. This reality underscores the importance of a proactive, community-driven approach to digital defence. Cyber resilience is not just an objective; it must be a culture, embedded into every aspect of our operations, policies, and partnerships.
The National Cyber Security Plan, now in progress, is a pivotal step in strengthening Ireland’s cyber resilience and readiness. It provides a strategic framework to enhance national cybersecurity capabilities, improve information sharing, and fortify our defences against emerging threats. The HSE CISO Office remains committed to contributing to this collective effort, ensuring that the hard-earned lessons from the Conti incident translate into continuous improvements and tangible progress.
Alongside national initiatives, compliance with NIS2 remains a guiding principle; our north star in shaping a resilient, secure digital infrastructure. NIS2 is not just a regulatory requirement; it is an opportunity to elevate cybersecurity standards, refine incident response strategies, and foster stronger partnerships across both the public and private sectors.
As we mark four years since the Conti cyber-attack, we reflect not only on the challenges we faced but on the partnerships that empowered our recovery. Cybersecurity is not a solitary effort; it is a collective responsibility. The ability to mitigate risks, respond effectively, and adapt to new threats depends on an engaged, informed, and collaborative community.
We invite cybersecurity professionals, industry leaders, and strategic partners to join this ongoing conversation. Let’s work together to strengthen our defences, share insights, and build a future where cyber resilience is at the core of Ireland’s digital security strategy.