A New Legislation Will Give Ireland’s Cybersecurity Agency More Monitoring Authority

Ireland’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will be given more surveillance powers on cyber security, according to a recent report. These powers will enable the NCSC to monitor all internet traffic within the country in response to a pressing national security threat, as detailed in new legislation being proposed.

Richard Browne, the director of the NCSC, confirmed that the proposed powers would enable the agency to conduct extensive monitoring of online activities. He described the surveillance as “intrusive,” noting that it mirrors similar measures introduced by French authorities during the Paris Olympics.

NCSC Aims To Strengthen Cybersecurity Amid Rising Threats

In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Browne said that these special powers are part of the National Cyber Security Bill. He said the NCSC will only use them when there is a big risk to national security.

He pointed out that these new rules will let the NCSC watch internet traffic all over Ireland, and he called the powers “much bigger” than before.

Browne said these laws are important to fight against growing dangers like foreign interference and cyberattacks. He noticed that there has been a clear rise in foreign interference in Ireland over the last year, and the threat of cyber issues is getting more serious.

He warned about the chance of lies and outside influence, especially as the country gets ready for its next general election. However, Browne said social media companies have worked hard to take down harmful content, as shown in the recent British election, where there was “very little” foreign interference.

Browne explained that cloud computing is also super important for Ireland’s cybersecurity. The country’s key services, like banks, underwater digital cables, and energy supplies, depend more and more on cloud technology. He stressed the need to protect these systems, especially since NCSC is closely connected to essential services.

The NCSC works under the Department of Communications and is part of many European groups. It also has connections to NATO, which helps the agency deal with cross-border cyber dangers.

NCSC Wants To Bolster National Security Through Enhanced Monitoring Powers

Browne said, under the draft National Cyber Security Bill, the NCSC will be able to seek emergency powers from the High Court to monitor internet traffic when a “pressing national security threat” arises.

In such cases, the NCSC would be able to apply to the High Court ex-parte, meaning without notifying the public or media. This would allow the agency to seek permission to install monitoring devices on public communication networks and data centers for a fixed period.

The court will grant the request if it is satisfied that there are credible threats to the State’s security, public sector data integrity, or the continuity of essential services.

Browne made it clear that these emergency powers are subject to strict oversight and would only be used under exceptional circumstances.

He stated that the powers were modeled on those implemented in other European countries, such as France, during large-scale events like the Olympics.

Browne also outlined potential scenarios in which these powers could be activated, such as during a major sporting event. Additionally, these powers could come into play if a heightened threat environment, like a significant European conflict, were to emerge.