Senator calls for National Security Strategy in wake of supermarket cyberattack
Waterford was one of 13 Supervalu locations hit yesterday which affected refrigeration systems. Stock Image.
Independent Senator Gerard Craughwell has called on the Government to develop and implement a National Security Strategy following yesterday’s supermarket cyberattack.
On Monday, it was reported that the refrigeration system in 13 Supervalu stores, including in Waterford were hit.
Owner Musgraves said that the attack was detected and the company acted immediately.
It is understood that stores are now operating normally.
However, Senator Craughwell, who sits on the Oireachtas Committee on Defence and National Security has spoken about Ireland’s lack of cybersecurity readiness for years and the threat it poses to Ireland’s foreign direct investment.
“The Supervalu cyberattack must be seen as a wake-up call a similar attack already happened in France. The HSE cyberattack should have been the first wake-up call, but unfortunately this wasn’t the case,” he said.
“The pace and scale of cyber threats can no longer be met with incremental change. Cybersecurity is now central to national stability, economic growth, and public trust. The threats we face are evolving rapidly and our response must match that pace.” The attack on Supervalu follows a spate of similar incidents across Europe.
But it is still unclear if yesterday’s incident was part of the wider pattern.
“I have helped to develop educational programmes on cybersecurity. The Government must now fast-track cybersecurity priorities, the following items must now be on the agenda,” said Senator Craughwell.
