Ireland's health ministry was the target of an attempted cyber-attack the Irish government said on Sunday, days after a similar attack struck the country's health service.

Ransomware is a form of malicious software that encrypts a victim's files. The cyber attacker then demands a ransom from the victim to restore access to the data upon payment.

"The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) became aware on Thursday of an attempted cyber attack on the Department of Health, and that while this attempted attack remains under investigation, there are indications that this was a ransomware attack similar to that which has affected the HSE. " the government said in a statement.

The NCSC is supporting the Department of Health in its response to this attempted cyber attack, together with other relevant government departments and partners, said the statement, adding that the Department of Health has implemented its response plan including suspending some functions of its IT systems as a precautionary measure, the Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the statement, the NCSC has issued public advice in relation to the cyber attack on the HSE as well as general guidance on ransomware attacks. It has also been providing specific guidance to relevant parties on appropriate measures to reduce the risk of further ransomware attacks on their networks.

Earlier on Thursday, the HSE, a state agency responsible for providing public health services in Ireland, identified a ransomware attack on some of its IT systems.

Following the attack, many hospitals in the country could not gain access to their electronic systems and records, and doctors had to perform their duties using paper-based systems, according to local media. The attack also impacted some Covid-19 testing work in the country, said the HSE.

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