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Cybersecurity Incident: Your Questions
From Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA)
Published on
Last updated on
From Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA)
Published on
Last updated on
Note: This page is being actively updated to reflect latest information. This page was first published on 17 December, 2025, and was updated on 19 December, 22 December, 6 January and 19 January.
Q. What happened?
On Thursday 11 December 2025 we were the subject of a random cybersecurity attack on some of its IT systems.
As a precaution, some systems were initially taken offline to contain the threat while the incident was investigated. However all systems are now back online.
Q. Has my data been taken?
Based on extensive investigations, including forensic investigations, and all the information currently available to us, we are confident that no personal data was taken. Our priority is to continue to protect people’s personal data.
Q. What action has been taken to protect my data?
Once we became aware of the incident our priority was to protect the data of people who rely on our services and to restore services safely.
The NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre) activated its incident response plan and put in place enhanced monitoring to support the CPSA.
The incident was also notified to the Data Protection Commissioner and An Garda Síochána.
We are now confident that no personal data was taken. However, at an early stage, an injunction was secured from the High Court prohibiting any publication of data.
For general guidance relating to data protection, please see the Data Protection Commission website . For general advice relating to the cyber security, please see the National Cyber Security Centre website . For queries relating to CPSA’s data protection, see our [external-link For general guidance relating to data protection, please see the Data Protection Commission website . For general advice relating to the cyber security, please see the National Cyber Security Centre website . For queries relating to Office of the Standards in Public Office Commission’s data protection, see our Privacy notice . | Privacy notice].
Q. Do the attackers currently have access to the IT system?
No. When the incident was discovered our IT system was secured to ensure the attackers no longer had access.
Q. What services are impacted?
As a result of this attack, the electronic case management system we relied on to carry out our work is no longer available. We have put in place processes to securely manage cases and we are working hard to fully restore normal service. However, we continue to experience some delays in progressing cases. Our staff remain available to provide advice and address customer queries.
I have made a complaint to the CPSA, what do I need to do?
We are experiencing some delays in processing complaints but please bear with us. You do not have to resubmit your complaint or contact us at this stage.
Q. I have made a report to the CPSA under the Protected Disclosures Act, what do I need to do?
If you have made a report to the CPSA as a prescribed person under the Protected Disclosures Act, you will have received an acknowledgment of your report within seven days. However, we may experience delays in carrying out follow-up on your report and ask that you bear with us. You do not need to contact us at this stage.