Hackers hit Erris water in stance over Israel news Western People

pCybercriminals caused upheaval for 180 homeowners on a private group water scheme in the Erris area last week as their equipment was targeted in a politically motivated cyberattackppCybercriminals caused upheaval for 180 homeowners on a private group water scheme in the Erris area last week as their equipment was targeted in a politically motivated cyberattackppResidents on the BinghamstownDrum scheme were without their water supply on Thursday and Friday after the extraordinary incident as crews worked to repair the Eurotronics Israelimade water pumping systemppThe hackers stated the equipment was targeted due to the fact it originated in IsraelppNoel Walsh a member of the group water scheme established in 1974 said usually the committee receive phone alerts but not on this occasion when their water supply went offppOur caretaker went down and when he got to the pumphouse up on the screen was a sign You have been hacked Down with Israel was written on it and the name of the company that hacked us he said Eurotronics supply a lot of equipment to schemes across the countryppMr Walsh said their firewall security system may not have been strong enough and they are currently improving their security systemsppIrish Water would probably have far greater resources for firewalls to withstand this but they knocked ours off and we could not circumvent it It took all day Friday to circumvent it so we could let the water flow manually he addedppMr Walsh said the attack caused shock and it was a big inconvenience but there was relief when their water supply was restored on Friday nightppSinn Féin TD Rose ConwayWalsh asked Chief Superintendent Raymond McMahon at Fridays Joint Policing Committee meeting how prepared they are for dealing with cyberattacks and what kind of warnings are given to other group water schemes and other agencies and organisationsppChief Supt McMahon insisted they liaise very closely with their national cybercrime units on a regular basis and he said he is not aware of any other similar incidents in the countyppThey would be our first port of call in relation to anything on a national level and not just for Mayo and certainly we will be responding and in any way we can very quickly in relation to those issues We are certainly there to assist in any way we can said Chief Supt McMahonppIt is something that is becoming more common and more prevalent and certainly we work very closely with our own cybercrime bureau in DublinppChief Supt McMahon said when an incident occurs they consult very quickly with the national office who take the lead role in the investigation and consult with detectivesppIt does not tend to be one localised factory per se it might be the entire corporation or company and that is what we find he addedppMore in this sectionppKeep uptodate with the top stories from the Western People with our daily newsletter straight to your inboxppPlease click here for our privacy statementpp4 hours agopp4 hours agopp4 hours agopp5 hours agopp44 minutes agopp10 hours agopp10 hours agopp12 hours agoppppWestern news delivered directly to your inboxpppp westernpeopleiep