Ireland Faces Disinformation and Hacking Threats from ‘Hostile Actors’ Ahead of EU Presidency

Russian cyber threats are expected to intensify as Ireland prepares to assume the EU presidency, with security experts warning of sophisticated digital attacks designed to disrupt political processes and spread disinformation.

Government officials have been placed on high alert for hack-and-leak operations, a tactic where malicious actors infiltrate computer systems to steal sensitive information before strategically releasing it to cause public embarrassment or confusion. These operations have become an increasingly common tool in Russia’s hybrid warfare arsenal.

Paul Dwyer, a leading cyber security expert and CEO of Cyber Risk International, explains that Ireland’s upcoming EU presidency role makes it a particularly attractive target. “As Ireland steps into a position of European leadership, we’re seeing increased reconnaissance activities from state-sponsored threat actors,” Dwyer said. “These groups are probing for vulnerabilities they can exploit during critical EU policy discussions.”

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has recorded a significant uptick in scanning activities targeting Irish government networks in recent months. These scans, often the precursor to more serious infiltration attempts, suggest adversaries are mapping potential entry points into systems that will soon handle sensitive EU matters.

Intelligence sources indicate that Russia’s foreign intelligence service (SVR) and military intelligence agency (GRU) have both dedicated resources toward operations targeting EU presidency countries. Their playbook typically combines cyber intrusions with coordinated disinformation campaigns designed to undermine public trust in democratic institutions.

This threat isn’t merely theoretical. Similar operations disrupted the 2016 US presidential election when Russian hackers stole and leaked emails from the Democratic National Committee. More recently, multiple EU member states including France, Germany, and the Baltic nations have reported sophisticated attempts to breach government networks and spread manipulated information.

“The concerning element is how these operations have evolved,” notes Dr. Ciara McMahon, a researcher at Dublin City University specializing in information warfare. “They’re increasingly tailored to specific political contexts, with leaked information carefully selected and sometimes subtly altered to maximize political damage.”

Ireland’s digital infrastructure presents both strengths and vulnerabilities in this context. While government systems have received security upgrades in recent years, the country’s position as a technology hub hosting data centers for numerous multinationals creates a complex security environment.

The Department of Communications has allocated additional resources to strengthen defensive capabilities ahead of the EU presidency. This includes enhanced monitoring systems, specialized training for staff handling sensitive information, and improved coordination with European cyber defense agencies.

“We’re implementing a multi-layered approach,” said a senior department official who requested anonymity due to security protocols. “This includes technical defenses but also preparing for the human element – recognizing that social engineering remains one of the most effective entry points for these operations.”

Irish diplomatic and security services are particularly concerned about disinformation campaigns targeting contentious EU policy areas where Ireland will play a leading role. These include ongoing Brexit implementation challenges, EU expansion discussions, and climate policy debates.

Corporate Ireland isn’t immune either. Companies with government contracts or those involved in critical infrastructure could face increased targeting as potential backdoors into official systems. The NCSC has issued updated guidance to these organizations, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance.

International cooperation remains crucial to effective defense. Ireland has strengthened ties with NATO’s Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence despite its military neutrality, recognizing that cyber threats transcend traditional security frameworks.

“What’s at stake here goes beyond Ireland’s national interests,” explains Dwyer. “A successful operation could undermine confidence in EU governance at a crucial moment for European unity. That’s precisely why these actors see value in targeting the incoming presidency.”

As preparations continue, security experts emphasize that awareness throughout government and across society represents the first line of defense against these sophisticated hybrid threats. While technical measures matter, recognizing the strategic pattern of disruption, confusion, and division remains equally important in preserving democratic processes.