GOVERNMENT HAS ISSUED a tender to have a deliberate hacking attempt carried out on its networks to examine any security flaws.

The tender for the “cyber-exercise” has been issued by the Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources with the intention of testing the response time to “simulated ‘cyber’ incidents”.

A spokesperson from the Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources told TheJournal.ie that the tender was part of a structured exercise that would help “improve preparation and coordination in the event of emergencies.”

Describing the tender as a “proactive measure”, the spokesperson said that it would allow for “practise drills around procedures to be used during contingencies.”

They added:

It is anticipated that the exercise will be as inclusive as possible, engaging many government stakeholders. The exercise will not impinge on the normal functioning of any services or systems.

The findings of any after-exercise reports will determine the appropriate actions to be taken at that time,” the spokesperson said.