Ransom demand on Luas website likely the first of many in 2019

With the website of Dublin’s tram service, Luas, down after an apparent cyber attack, one of the country’s leading cyber security firms is urging businesses and the public to ensure their computers have the protection they need against an increasing number or ransomware attacks.

A message on the Luas website claims that it has been hacked, with the hackers demanding payment of 1 bitcoin. The same hackers are threatening that non compliance will result in the release of sensitive data.

The apparent hack matches a trend that’s already been detected by experts, just days into 2019.

CEO of cybersecurity firm Smarttech 247, Ronan Murphy says:

“Although it’s only three days into the new year Smarttech247 team have already seen a sharp rise in ransomware attacks. These are primarily spreading via email where they appear to be a Microsoft document (word, excel). The Ransomware will attack any server or computer which does not have adequate protection and this includes web servers that host websites and applications”.


If you would like to have your company featured in the Irish Tech News Business Showcase, get in contact with us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie or on Twitter: @SimonCocking

Irish Tech News

Recent Posts

Ireland cements position as Europe’s leading GDPR enforcer

Global law firm DLA Piper has today published the eighth edition of its annual GDPR…

2 days ago

Deel sets Guinness World Records™ while redefining global hiring at scale

Deel, the global payroll and HR platform, has announced that they are the new Guinness…

2 days ago

Applications Open for New Participants in SIRO-Vodafone Gigabit Hub Initiative

Applications are now open for the 2026 SIRO-Vodafone Gigabit Hub Initiative, as the programme marks…

2 days ago

European Leaders Meet at Sustainable Foods 2026 to Shape the Future

As world leaders head to Davos under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue”, Sustainable Foods 2026 will…

2 days ago

Three-Quarters of Adults Want AI and Coding Taught in Schools

A new national survey commissioned by STEM South West, the not-for-profit organisation promoting STEM education…

2 days ago

More about Irish Tech News


Irish Tech News are Ireland’s No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland’s No.1 Tech Podcast too.


You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news


If you’d like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss.


Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience.


You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.