As seen and heard on…
IT Worker Admits Piggybacking on Hacker’s Extortion Attempt
Our CEO Brian Honan discusses the recent extortion attempt within Oxford Biomedica with Gov Info Security.
Let’s take a closer look at these claims of anti-ransomware SSDs
CEO Brian Honan shares his thoughts with The Register.
Data Breaches in the Ransomware Era: Lessons Learned
Our CEO Brian Honan discusses the importance of data logging and monitoring with Bank Info Security.
Serious Data Breech Affects Irish Organisations
Our CEO Brian Honan speaks to The Tonight Show and highlights some go to resources for any organisation.
Highly Sensitive Data Stolen from Abuse Survivors
Our CEO Brian Honan speaks to Hot Press Magazine regarding Ireland’s most recent serious data breech.
Survivors Have Data Stolen in Ransomware Attack
Our CEO Brian Honan speaks to Morning Ireland how organisations and individuals affected by a supply-chain attack should respond.
Replacing GDPR in the UK: A Cost-Benefit Analysis
Our COO Dr. Valarie Lyons spoke to the Info Security Group about the ramifications of allowing businesses to adopt a more flexible posture regarding data processing.
GitHub Replaces Private RSA SSH Key After Public Exposure
Our CEO Brian Honan spoke to Data Breech Today about GitHub’s recent private RSA key fumble.
15 European startups set to take cybersecurity world by storm
Our CEO Brian Honan spoke to Help Net Security about Google’s Cybersecurity Startups Growth Academy.
Inadvertent data destruction can violate EU privacy rules
Our CEO Brian Honan speaks to The Wall Street Journal on how to avoid data destruction after cyberattack.
Phone and App Spying Concerns
Our CEO Brian Honan spoke to RTE Radio 1 about the European Commissions ban on staff using TikTok and the security and privacy concerns regarding TikTok and other social media apps that we use.
Insecure by design: why we need to focus on data, not systems
Cybersecurity spending continues to rise but, while it is essential to business, does the cost spiral suggest something is fundamentally wrong with our IT systems? Our CEO Brian Honan speaks to the Business Post on why we need to focus on data, not systems.
Cyber Sanctions: An Effective Weapon or Just Posturing?
Our CEO Brian Honan spoke to Infosecurity Magazine about the impact government sanctions can have on companies who have been victim to a ransomware attack.
Containment measures prevented spread of cyber attack across Virgin Media Television servers
Brian Honan speaks to TheJournal.ie about how the containment of data was of critical importance to prevent the cyber attack on Virgin Media Television going any further into the company’s systems.
More than 200 cyber attacks with theft of personal data reported to Irish authorities in a year
There have been more than 200 cyber attacks on Irish companies in which data was accessed or stolen by hackers in the last 12 months, the DPC has confirmed.
Brian Honan speaks to The Journal about the fact that there are others that go unreported..
Warnings were issued over a log-in system used by Cork university in weeks before cyber attack
“Victim shaming forgets that what we want to do is encourage people to share their experiences, so that we can all learn and be better at securing what we’ve learned from other people,” Brian Honan speaks to The Journal about the MTU cyber attack.
BlackCat Leaks Data Belonging to Irish University
Our CEO Brian Honan was interviewed by Data Breach Today at Information Security Media Group (ISMG) on what the High Court’s injunction prohibiting ransomware attackers from leaking data will mean for Munster Technological University, following their ransomware attack.
Ransomware Gang Stole Customer Data, Arnold Clark Confirms
Our CEO Brian Honan speaks to Data Breach Today at Information Security Media Group (ISMG) about the Arnold Clark Ransomware attack.
Smarter, safer, stronger cybersecurity is now critical to digital future
Innovation and collaboration top the agenda for Infosecurity Europe 2023, as security leaders tackle overwhelming security threats
For #DataPrivacyWeek the team speak to privacy expert Valerie Lyons about consumer awareness, AI’s impact on data privacy and the future of investment in privacy
Our COO Dr. Valerie Lyons (PhD, MBs, BSc, CISSP, CDPSE) speaks to Infosecurity Magazine for their #DataPrivacyDay podcast, sharing her expertise on data privacy.
Valerie covers topics such as the real-world impact of data privacy legislation, AI’s affect on privacy, and how privacy should be part of CSR for organisations (starting 12 minutes in).
#DataPrivacyWeek: Consumers Already Concerned About AI’s Impact on Data Privacy
Our COO and privacy specialist, Dr. Valerie Lyons (PhD, MBs, BSc, CISSP, CDPSE), was quoted in the latest Infosecurity Magazine
article about the huge implications of the growth of AI on privacy.
Infosecurity Magazine Webinar: How a Threat Response Unit Unmasks a Hacker
A new hacker has been uncovered – Venom Spider – and in this session the Threat Response Unit will tell you how they unmasked the cybercrime gang.
During this session a threat response unit will share how they did it and what they uncovered when chasing down the malware supplier for two of Russia’s top cybercrime gangs. A panel of cybersecurity experts including Brian Honan, discuss how this fits into the broader threat landscape, what actions should be taken based on the TTPs highlighted and how these groups will continue to evolve.
RTE Radio 1: FBI warns TikTok poses a threat to data protection and cyber security
BH Consulting CEO Brian Honan was interviewed on the RTE Radio 1 News about whether TikTok poses a threat to data protection and cyber security.
Listen to the interview via the RTÉ Player.
Infosecurity Magazine Webinar: How a Threat Response Unit Unmasks a Hacker
A new hacker has been uncovered – Venom Spider – and in this session the Threat Response Unit will tell you how they unmasked the cybercrime gang.
During this session a threat response unit will share how they did it and what they uncovered when chasing down the malware supplier for two of Russia’s top cybercrime gangs. A panel of cybersecurity experts including Brian Honan, discuss how this fits into the broader threat landscape, what actions should be taken based on the TTPs highlighted and how these groups will continue to evolve.
RTE News: Interview about An Garda Síochána taking down the “iSpoof.cc” website
BH Consulting CEO Brian Honan was interviewed on the RTE Six One News about the success of International law enforcement authorities, including An Garda Síochána, in taking down the iSpoof.cc website used by international criminals to defraud €115m from people across the world.
Listen to the interview via the RTÉ Player (start time 24 mins/30 secs).
Newstalk Radio
Our CEO, Brian Honan featured on Newstalk’s lunchtime news at 12 p.m. to discuss the arrests that had been made following a sting operation that included the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau. They successfully targeted criminals which were using a website that made ‘spoof’ phone calls appear to come from a genuine number.
Digicert Article: The Matter With Smart Devices
Our CEO, Brian Honan weighs in on the frustration of IoT devices that don’t interconnect and how Matter will not only allow products to interoperate with each other seamlessly, but also allow for better security and privacy.
UK CSO 30 Awards 2022 winners announced
Our CEO, Brian Honan was recognised as a CSO 30 UK Award Winner for demonstrating outstanding leadership and business value in cybersecurity.
Infosecurity Magazine Q3 Edition
Our CEO Brian Honan is interviewed on whether organisations should adapt their cybersecurity posture in light of the Russia-Ukraine
Brian is also interviewed on the impact NIS2 will have on the industry
Beyond Trust “Adventures of Alice and Bob Podcast”
The Art of Negotiating with Ransomware Attackers
Hack Backs: A Legitimate Tactic or Counter-Productive?
The prolific LockBit ransomware gang was subject to a DDoS attack that resulted in its data leak site being shut down temporarily, according to recent reports that emerged in mid-August 2022.
Travellers send lost luggage woes packing with trackers
The number of passengers using smart trackers on their suitcases when travelling overseas has increased significantly this summer, with some saying the devices helped them to locate lost luggage.
Video Interview: Live from Infosec22 – Brian Honan
Benjamin David sat down with Brian Honan at Infosec22 to discuss cyber’s role in the Russian-Ukraine conflict.
Six One News
Our CEO Brian Honan spoke to RTE News about the importance in having the FIRST Conference here in Dublin. Over 1,000 cyber security professionals involved in incident response are spending the week here sharing experiences and building stronger relationships to help strengthen the fight against cyber crime
Cyber security experts meet in Dublin to help tackle online threats
More than one thousand cyber security experts from around the world are gathering in Dublin this week for a major conference on how to tackle online threats.
Russia-Ukraine War: The Cyber Dimension
James Coker investigates the cyber dimension in the Russia- Ukraine war and the implications for the global cyber landscape
Businesses Urged To Beef Up Cyber Protections
Businesses are being advised to step up their cyber security on the anniversary of the HSE cyber attack.
NetClean Insights – a deeper context
An action-driven conversation between the world of cyber security and law enforcement, with a deep dive into the results of the 2021 NetClean Insights report.
How ‘insanely great’ became a minimum standard
Jason Walsh asks why tech companies can’t dial down the hype for once
Microsoft and Okta investigate data breach claims from hacker group
Infosec expert Brian Honan said it’s important to not overreact to the claims, as Lapsus$ could be looking for notoriety to make future victims more willing to give in to ransom demands.
Russia’s cyberattack threat: How serious is it and how can you protect yourself?
The threat is real and growing but here’s how to keep your virtual life safe from invasion
None shall pass
The days of the password are numbered. Unfortunately, it’s a very big number, says Jason Walsh
Cormac O’Keeffe: Cyberattacks could be used to fund sanction-hit Russia’s war machine
Ireland may not escape the impact of the attacks
Cyber warfare explained with Brian Honan of BH Consulting
Big Tech responds to a global crisis and the rest of the week’s news
Irish businesses must be vigilant as risk of cyber attacks rises amid Ukraine-Russia crisis, says expert
It comes amid concerns that criminal groups will take advantage of people donating to victims of the war in Ukraine
5 Criteria to Evaluate the Security of a Cloud Provider
Migrating to the cloud provides many advantages for organizations. Careful consideration of security and governance issues relating to cloud service providers will enable those advantages to be gained.
Hell to pay: the rise of ransom attacks and what to do about them
Such attacks are ransoming businesses and taking them offline. Róisín Kiberd asked the experts how to survive them
Security experts warn of cyber attacks following invasion of Ukraine
Irish consumers and businesses advised to be on high alert for cyber attacks.
Cyber-security expert warns of disruption to undersea telecommunications cables by Russians
A cyber-security and data protection expert is warning that the disruption to undersea telecommunications cables by planned Russian manoeuvres next week “could be very significant.”
Battling Bugs: UK Government Pitches ‘Scanning Made Easy’
Trial Program Aims to Empower Organizations With Scripts to Find Critical Flaws.
Cyber alert for Irish companies over rising tension in Ukraine
The National Cyber Security Centre urged Irish companies with operations in both Ukraine and Russia to be vigilant and test their security systems.
Ireland taking part in EU-wide cyberattack simulation
Ireland is taking part in a large-scale simulated cyberattack by hostile actors on the EU, in a bid to beef up the union’s cyber defences.
Stolen data obtained by criminals in cyber attack given to HSE
Brian Honan, cybersecurity expert and CEO of BH Consulting, discusses how confidential medical data stolen from HSE has been found by US justice officials.
Clear and present dangers: The risks the country’s face, and how we should prepare
The government has just published its annual National Risk Assessment – the 2019 edition of which predicted the pandemic. What does this year’s edition hold in store?
N.L. rebuilding ‘from scratch’ systems downed by cyberattack using backups: official
N.L. rebuilding systems downed by cyberattack.
Businesses urged to protect systems over Java code vulnerability
Flaw could allow attacker to remotely control the system the software is on.
Report On The Hacking Of The HSE Reviewed
As details of the hacking of the HSE systems are revealed, Anton Savage looked at how it happened and what processes and procedures need to be strengthened to avoid this situation occurring again.
Expert says N.L. cyberattack worst in Canadian history, deserves federal response
N.L. cyberattack a national security issue: expert.
Cyberattaque : Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador peut-elle tirer des leçons de l’Irlande?
Des experts en sécurité et un ministre, en Irlande, implorent le gouvernement de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador de ne pas payer de rançon aux cybercriminels.
Coordinated Bust of Dark-Web Dealers Yields 150 Arrests in U.S., Europe
U.S., European authorities seize more $31 million in cash along with guns, drugs in 10-month operation stretching across nine countries.
Crypto coup: Chinese bitcoin miners use Ireland to defy state ban
Experts say bitcoin miners in the Asian superpower are hiding their activity through the use of VPNs and proxy servers pointed at this country.
29 Irish cybersecurity companies to watch
After the recent spate of high-profile cyberattacks, cybersecurity should be top of mind for Irish business owners. Here are 29 Irish-owned businesses leading the charge.
SMEs hit by cyber attacks
As many as three out of five small and medium businesses have reported at least one cyber attack during the previous year, while 43% of all data breaches involve small and medium sized businesses.
Reimagining the perimeter
Róisín Kiberd examines the best means to improve endpoint and network security.
Cyber criminals matching names to phone numbers likely to be behind rise of phishing calls
A ‘data scraping’ attack that took place in 2019 on Facebook resulted in an enormous amount of personal data making its way onto the web . . . and into the wrong hands.
HSE still has 30,000 computers running Windows 7 six months after devastating cyber attack
The HSE is still running obsolete Windows 7 on nearly 30,000 computers, six months after it was hit by a devastating cyber attack. The out-of-date PCs have been branded as “potentially vulnerable” by IT security experts.
Security Watch: Automated hacker attacks call for tough identity management
With online imposters, phishing and credential theft on the rise, identity management is your first line of defense.
Meet the students representing Ireland in ‘the Eurovision of cybersecurity’
This year, Team Ireland will be travelling to Prague to compete in the annual pan-European cybersecurity challenge.
Ireland ‘still playing catch-up’ in funding cyber security
Ireland is “still playing catch-up” in cyber security and the attack on the phone of Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney illustrates the threat that is out there, a cyber expert has said.
The luck of the Irish, or good old-fashioned hard work?
We discuss Brian’s work in the industry, what motivates him, and the importance of supporting initiatives like community infosec events and the Irish CERT.
Judges on Fire: Brian Honan, CEO & Principal Consultant, BH Consulting
For our latest outing we are catching up with Brian Honan, CEO & Principal Consultant of BH Consulting, who has been on the judging team of the Tech Trailblazers Awards since the very beginning.
Doing Privacy Right, Not Privacy Rights
Organizations need to view privacy with a broader lens that extends beyond just privacy rights and recognizes the ethical, social and political pillars of privacy.
Leaders’ questions & answers
From Fortnite gigs to foldable phones, Emmet Ryan has six topical questions for six tech experts.
Security Watch: Automated hacker attacks call for tough identity management
With online imposters, phishing and credential theft on the rise, identity management is your first line of defense.
CyberScotland releases Incident Response Guide to prepare businesses for cyberattacks
New guide seeks to ensure small and medium businesses are equipped to deal with cyber incidents as industry experts welcome clear, concise advice.
How security leaders can build emotionally intelligent cybersecurity teams
How a leader motivates their team, gathers, and uses information, makes decisions, manages change initiatives, and handles crises is referred to as “leadership style”, and is known to be a key influencing factor in team dynamics. Daniel Goleman, an American psychologist, believed that at the heart of relationship between leadership style and team dynamics lay a series of traits referred to as “emotional intelligence” (EQ).
Business email compromise (BEC) attacks take phishing to the next level
Business email compromise (BEC) remains a popular, skillfully crafted, and continually effective phishing attack vector for cybercriminals.
1 in 5 companies fail PCI compliance assessments of their infrastructure
According to a recent poll by SentryBay, the infrastructure of over 21% of surveyed companies has failed key PCI compliance assessments, designed to assist them to maintain high security standards when processing customer card payments. In addition, a further 29.3% said that they had no confidence in their own company’s compliance when it came to PCI DSS.
Funding and staffing increase for National Cybersecurity Centre after HSE hack
Staff numbers at the National Cyber Security Centre could reach 70 within five years as part of the new expansion.
What are the most common cybersecurity challenges SMEs face today?
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are considered to be the backbone of Europe’s economy. 25 million SMEs are active in the EU, and employ more than 100 million workers. ENISA identified the cybersecurity challenges SMEs face today and issued recommendations.
NCSC: Impact on UK orgs from Kaseya ransomware attack “limited”
The REvil ransomware attack on Kaseya’s VSA product is estimated to have affected over 1,000 companies globally, but the impact on UK organisations currently appears limited.
Ransomware hits hundreds of US companies, security firm says
A ransomware attack paralyzed the networks of at least 200 U.S. companies on Friday, according to a cybersecurity researcher whose company was responding to the incident.
Russian-based hackers launch cyberattack on at least 200 IT management firms in the US and demand $5M in ransom despite Biden’s threat to Putin of ‘retaliation’
Russian-based hackers have launched a cyberattack on at least 200 information technology management firms in the United States and demanded up to $5 million in ransom, it has been revealed.
Why has data stolen in the HSE cyberattack not yet appeared online?
Experts say they are surprised the criminals have not followed through on their threats.
Waikato DHB ransomware attack: Privacy Commissioner warns victims to consider credit freeze
The ransomware-hit Waikato DHB must notify patients whose information has been shared on the dark web, Privacy Commissioner John Edwards says.
Ransomware gangs get paid off as officials struggle for fix
If your business falls victim to ransomware and you want simple advice on whether to pay the criminals, don’t expect much help from the U.S. government. The answer is apt to be: It depends.
10 of the Best Cybersecurity Thought Leaders to Follow
With research carried out by Balbix, Cyber looks at 10 Thought Leaders, experts in their field, and respected voices in the industry who are essential to follow.
Hackers are bad for your health
Small firms can ill afford to regard cybersecurity as simply an IT problem after the HSE ransomware attack.
Ireland’s Health Service Warns Staff Not to Use Work Devices
Employees can inadvertently spread damage, allow follow-on attacks.
Bosses Putting a ‘Digital Leash’ on Remote Workers Could Be Crossing a Privacy Line
The majority of respondents in one survey said they were uncomfortable with the likes of camera monitoring or keystroke monitoring.
10 days after ransomware attack, Irish health system struggling
Many hospitals still have no computers a week on.
What happens if the HSE cyberattack data is leaked?
Data stolen from the HSE cyberattack could be leaked online from today (24 May). Here’s what you need to know about the situation.
RANSOMWARE HACK ‘Organised’ criminals behind HSE cyberattack are ‘on par’ with Kinahan mob – expert warns
“And the HSE is not the first health system to be victimised.”
To pay or not to pay the cybercriminals’ demand? No, it will just create more ransom attacks
The HSE is adamant it will not give in to ransomware cybercriminals.
Morning Ireland
Brian Honan speaks to Morning Ireland about the HSE ransomware attack.
What we know so far about the HSE cyber attack
The Health Service Executive has suffered a “significant ransomware attack”, prompting it to temporarily shut down its IT system.
Cyberattack on HSE: Scale of damage on systems will not be known for days
Minister says group responsible has been identified by the State’s cybersecurity apparatus.
Ireland’s Healthcare System’s IT Offline Following Ransomware Attack
Ireland’s healthcare system is being subjected to a ransomware attack, which has led to its taking its IT systems offline and the cancellation of a number of hospital appointments.
Ransomware Attack Leads to IT Shutdown for Irish Hospitals
Conti Ransomware Blamed; No Ransom Paid.
HSE arrête les systèmes informatiques au milieu d’une cyberattaque importante
Il y a eu «une attaque importante de ransomware» sur les systèmes informatiques du Health Service Executive (HSE).
Ireland’s health service hit by ‘significant ransomware attack’
Healthcare IT systems have been shut down as precaution.
Irish Healthcare Service Shuts Down IT Systems After Ransomware Attack
Hospitals canceled appointments and turn to paper and pen after attack shut down IT systems.
Virgin Media Lunchtime News
Brian Honan speaks to Virgin Media about the HSE ransomware attack.
Virgin Media 5.30 News
Brian Honan speaks to Virgin Media about the HSE ransomware attack.
DarkSide’s Pipeline Ransomware Hit: Strictly Business?
Affiliate-Driven Ransomware-as-a-Service Operations Keep Generating Big Profits.
Android users warned of Flubot messaging malware
Users encouraged to download tracking app for missed parcels that is actually malware.
Brit authorities could legally do an FBI and scrub malware from compromised boxen without your knowledge
Would move for The Greater Good™ actually be good, though?
What the UK’s Cyber Power strategy means for private sector cybersecurity
The UK government’s vision to be competitive and safe in a digital world is likely to have a positive impact on cybersecurity in business, if bureaucracy doesn’t get in the way.
Facebook leak reveals personal data of hundreds of Irish officials in sensitive positions
Defence Forces is aware of Facebook data leak and is ‘taking appropriate steps.’
Up To 1.5 Million Have Data Published In Facebook Leak
The Data Protection Commission is working to get to the bottom of a Facebook data leak that affects up to 1.5 million people in Ireland.
Ubiquiti’s Breach Notification: The ‘No Evidence’ Hedge
Being ‘Not Currently Aware’ Customer Data Was Stolen Doesn’t Mean It’s Safe.
Facebook Data Exposure: Lessons to Learn
Experts Advise Organizations to Check Password Reset Policies, Take Other Steps.
Pandemic creates a perfect storm for virtual security
Two of the largest attacks ever recorded and increased working from home have led to an urgent need for companies to revisit their security protocols.
Microsoft email hack hit 98 Irish organisations
One Irish IT security firm says that it has seen a list of 98 organisations “compromised” by the ongoing global Microsoft email attack.
Qualys Gets ‘Clopped’ by Accellion-Exploiting Attackers
Security Firm Confirms Breach After Clop Ransomware Gang Posts Stolen Customer Data
Ransomware Attacks Remain Persistent and Pervasive
Ransomware has been the scourge of businesses for some time now, and it doesn’t seem that there is an end in sight where the impact to business is concerned.
Doing Privacy Right vs. Doing Privacy Rights
The CISO Stories Podcast Episode #3
Securing the Future: Cybersecurity Predictions for 2021
What can we say about next year in cybersecurity? What trends are we likely to see? What shifts should enterprises be prepared for?
Rioters Open Capitol’s Doors to Potential Cyberthreats
Security Experts: Federal Computer System in Capitol Building Is Endangered
3 myths about ISO 27001 certification
If you are currently weighing up your options for ISO 27001 certification, you might be interested in three of the most common misconceptions about the Standard.
Parting Shots (Q4 2020 Issue)
The seven nations called on technology companies to work with governments to take the following steps in order to “focus on reasonable, technically feasible solutions:
IT Leaders Reliant on Data for Threat Insight
Almost three-quarters of IT leaders rely on data to make business decisions, while a third believe the value of data has permanently increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
