Fear of ‘brand damage’ means less than 5% of businesses report online attacks

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Half of Irish companies have been victims of economic crime within the past two years — up from 34pc in 2016 and 26pc in 2010, according to a recent report from PwC on economic crime (stock image)

Brand damage and embarrassment are among the reasons given for the under-reporting of cybercrime by Irish businesses to gardai.

But, from a prevention and awareness level, it is important that this crime is reported, according to Michael Gubbins, Detective Superintendent and head of the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau.

It is estimated that less than 5pc of cybercrime is reported. “The amount of cyber-dependent crime that is reported to An Garda Síochána is relatively low in comparison to that which is dealt with by private cybersecurity companies,” he said adding that this is an issue for police worldwide.

Gubbins said that other reasons for under-reporting include the perception that the Garda would not be able to help. He was commenting ahead of Dublin Information Sec 2018, Ireland’s cybersecurity conference which takes place at Dublin’s RDS on October 15 where he is a speaker.

“From an investigative point of view, by reporting these matters it allows the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) the opportunity to work with our international colleagues thereby increasing the opportunity to disrupt and identify the actors engaged in this crime type,” he added.

“GNCCB, through various international law enforcement agencies including Europol, European Cyber Crime Centre (EC3), Interpol, the National Crime Agency (NCA) in the UK and the PSNI, has access to a network of colleagues who work in the cybercrime area and can assist with our investigation.” read further

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