The position of Director of the National Cyber Security has been vacant for more than a year.
(Source: www.pixabay.com)The Government has been advised to more than triple the salary it's offering for the position of Director of the National Cyber Security Centre.
There has been criticism of the fact that the role has been vacant for more than a year, particularly in light of the crippling attack on the HSE recently.
Experts say the current salary of €89,000 cannot compete with those offered in the private sector.
A salary of up to €290,000 as well as a benefits package worth €200,000 has been suggested at an Oireachtas Committee today.
Cyber security recruitment Bláthnaid Carolan said while the public sector does not offer bonuses, an exception should be made for this position:
"We really need to make it attractive, to attract and retain the right person to the role.
"Maybe we might look to the NTMA who applied private sector packaging towards hiring particular key talent for the NTMA, albeit within the public sector, and possibly apply a model akin to that."
The Oireachtas Committee has also heard criticism of the €5,000,000 annual budget allocated to the centre, with a cyber security consultant saying much more needs to be invested.
TDs and Senators were told that the public sector was more focused on compliance rather than defence and that the mindset needs to change.
The Centre has approximately 25 staff and no dedicated premises.
Caution needed
Meanwhile Gardaí are urging people to be on the alert for scams in the wake of the cyber-attack on the HSE.
They says fraudsters are trying to take advantage of the current fear and concern among the public.
They are encouraging people not to engage with cold callers, download apps or click on links, and instead contact their nearest Garda station.
