Publication
Cybersecurity Incident: Your Questions
From Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO)
Published on
Last updated on
From Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO)
Published on
Last updated on
Q. What has happened?
On Thursday 11 December 2025 we were the subject of a random cybersecurity attack on our IT systems.
It is understood that this was a random attack and a forensic investigation is ongoing. As a precaution, some systems were initially taken offline to contain the threat while the incident was investigated.
However, all public-facing services have now been restored.
Q. Has my data been accessed?
We have been working closely with forensics experts to fully investigate this incident. Arising from this work we are confident at this time that no personal data was taken.
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 SIPO.
The incident was also notified to the Data Protection Commissioner and An Garda Síochána.
To further protect the data of individuals, we have taken legal steps, including securing an injunction from the High Court to restrict any publication of potentially stolen information. That said, we are confident at this time that no personal data was taken.
For general guidance relating 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 .
Q. What SIPO services are impacted?
All public-facing services have been restored. However, we continue to experience some delays in progressing cases.
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. I have electoral returns that need to be submitted to SIPO – is there any change to the way that I should do that?
Please continue to submit returns by email to electoral@sipo.ie or by post to 6 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, D02 W773
Our access to our email systems is secure.
Q. I have ethics returns that need to be submitted to SIPO – is there any change to the way that I should do that?
Please continue to submit returns by email to submissions@sipo.ie or by post to 6 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, D02 W773
Our access to our email systems is secure.
Q. I have a complaint being processed by SIPO, will that be affected?
Complaints that have already been received will continue to be processed.
SIPO will continue to receive and process new complaints through the online Make a complaint form.
Our access to our online form is secure.
Q. Has there been any impact on the Register of Lobbying?
There is no interruption to any functions or operations related to the Register of Lobbying.
Registrations and returns may be submitted as usual.
Any lobbying related queries may be addressed to info@lobbying.ie
Our access to our email systems is secure.
Any updates will be provided on the website.