Security Insights & Updates
Stay informed with expert insights on cybersecurity, NIS2 compliance, cyber insurance, and practical security strategies for Irish SMEs.
The Signal and the Noise: Why Irish SMEs Are Facing a Perfect Storm of Cyber Threats
NCSC Ireland warns the threat is already worse than feared. With 1 in 100 emails being a direct attack, we analyse the perfect storm facing Irish SMEs.
Irish DPC Investigates X/Grok: What It Means for Your Business and GDPR Compliance
The Irish DPC has launched a formal inquiry into X over its Grok AI model. Here is what every Irish business using AI needs to understand about GDPR.
Microsoft February 2026 Patch Tuesday: Six Zero-Days Being Exploited — Patch Now
Microsoft's February 2026 Patch Tuesday fixes six actively exploited zero-day vulnerabilities in Windows and Office. Irish SMEs must patch immediately.
Starkiller Phishing Kit: Why MFA Alone Is No Longer Enough for Irish Businesses
The Starkiller phishing toolkit can bypass MFA by acting as a reverse proxy. Here is what Irish SMEs need to know and how to upgrade their defences.
MFA Bypass Phishing: What Irish SMEs Must Do Now to Protect Their Microsoft 365 Accounts
A sophisticated phishing campaign is bypassing MFA on Microsoft 365 accounts. Learn how it works and the four steps Irish SMEs must take immediately.
The Growing Cyber Threat to Irish SMEs: How to Stay Ahead in 2026
Irish SMEs face escalating cyber threats in 2026, from ransomware to AI-enhanced attacks. Learn the top 5 threats and practical steps to protect your business and stay ahead.
How Cyber Resilience Can Protect Your Irish SME — and What It Actually Means
Understand the crucial difference between cybersecurity and cyber resilience and why the latter is vital for Irish SMEs to recover quickly from attacks.
Email Security for Irish Businesses: SPF, DKIM and DMARC Explained
Protect your Irish business from email fraud. Learn how SPF, DKIM, and DMARC stop phishing and BEC attacks, and how to implement them for robust email security.
AI-Powered Phishing: The New Threat Landscape Facing Irish Businesses
Discover how AI is supercharging phishing attacks against Irish SMEs, from hyper-personalised emails to deepfake scams. Learn practical steps to protect your business.
NIS2 for Irish SMEs: Understanding Your New Cybersecurity Obligations
A plain English guide to the NIS2 Directive for Irish SMEs, explaining who is in scope, what the new rules require, and how to prepare for compliance.
NIS2 Compliance Checklist for Irish SMEs: Are You Ready?
Is your Irish SME ready for NIS2? Understand the new cybersecurity directive, its scope (Essential vs. Important Entities), penalties, and a practical 10-step compliance checklist.
Reducing Your Cyber Insurance Premiums: A Practical Guide for Irish Businesses
Irish SMEs can lower cyber insurance costs by implementing key security controls like MFA, EDR, and incident response plans. Learn how NIS2 compliance helps.
The Head of the UK's NCSC Says SMEs Are Making a Dangerous Mistake. Here Is What Irish Businesses Need to Hear.
NCSC Chief Richard Horne warns that SMEs are prime cyber attack targets — not despite their size, but because of it. Here is what Irish businesses must do to stop being easy prey.
The Irish Government Just Announced Cybersecurity Grants for SMEs. Here Is What You Need to Know.
The Government's new Digital Ireland strategy commits to SME grant funding for NIS2 compliance, a new Cyber Security Strategy, and expanded NCSC capacity. Here is what it means for your business.
Ransomware Kills Businesses. Here Is the Evidence Every Irish SME Owner Must See.
13 real businesses closed permanently after ransomware attacks. Discover the patterns, the warning signs, and the five actions that separate survivors from casualties.
That MFA You Trust? Hackers Can Now Bypass It. Here's How.
A new phishing attack bypasses Microsoft 365 MFA using OAuth consent tricks. Learn how it works and the practical steps Irish SMEs can take to stay protected.
12 Steps to Cyber Security: The Complete Guide for Irish Businesses
The NCSC Ireland's 12-step framework for cyber resilience, translated into plain language with practical actions for Irish SME owners. Your complete roadmap from governance to continuous improvement.
Quishing: QR Code Phishing Scams and What Every Irish Business Owner Needs to Know
QR codes are everywhere — on menus, parking meters, invoices, and emails. But scammers are exploiting them to steal passwords and payment details. Here's what 'quishing' is, how it works, and exactly what to do to protect your business.
What Keeps You Up at Night? The Hidden Cyber Anxiety of Irish SME Owners
63% of Irish SMEs rely solely on the owner to handle cybersecurity. Discover the four fears driving this silent crisis — and a pragmatic, jargon-free way out.
Reducing Your Cyber Insurance Premiums: A Guide for Irish Businesses
Cyber insurance has become a non-negotiable for Irish businesses seeking to mitigate the financial impact of cyberattacks. However, premiums can be a significant expense, especial...
NIS2 Penalties Explained: What Irish Businesses Actually Risk
Imagine a scenario: a cyberattack cripples your Irish SME, halting operations, compromising customer data, and eroding trust. While the operational and reputational damage is severe, the financial rep...
NIS2 vs DORA: Which Regulation Applies to Your Financial Services Firm?
In Ireland, the financial services sector is a cornerstone of the economy, but it's also a prime target for cyberattacks. Recent statistics show a significant increase in cyber incidents targeting fin...
Beyond the Deadline: Long-Term Benefits of NIS2 Compliance for SMEs
As the NIS2 Directive looms, many Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are focused on the immediate challenge of compliance. While avoiding penalties and meeting regula...
Is Your Business Underinsured? A Cyber Insurance Reality Check
For Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), cyber insurance is a critical component of a comprehensive risk management strategy. However, simply having a policy in place...
NIS2 Incident Reporting: The 24-Hour, 72-Hour, and 30-Day Deadlines
A comprehensive guide for Irish SMEs on cybersecurity best practices.
From Confusion to Clarity: Demystifying NIS2 for Business Owners
The NIS2 Directive, a significant update to European cybersecurity legislation, is causing a stir among business owners, particularly in Ireland. With its expanded scope and stric...
From Confusion to Clarity: Demystifying NIS2 for Business Owners
The NIS2 Directive, a significant update to European cybersecurity legislation, is causing a stir among business owners, particularly in Ireland. With its expanded scope and stric...
How Irish Healthcare Providers Should Prepare for NIS2
In 2023, a significant cyberattack on a major Irish healthcare provider caused widespread disruption, impacting patient care, delaying appointments, and costing millions to remediate. This real-world ...
NIS2 and the Irish Energy Sector: Compliance for Utilities and Renewables
In 2023, a significant cyberattack on a major European energy provider disrupted operations, highlighting the severe vulnerabilities within critical infrastructure. This incident underscores why the E...
vCISO vs. Traditional CISO: Making the Right Choice for Your Business
As cybersecurity threats continue to escalate, businesses of all sizes are recognizing the critical need for expert security leadership. The role of a Chief Information Security O...
NIS2 Board Accountability: What Directors Need to Know
Imagine receiving a notification that your company has suffered a significant cyberattack. Now, imagine that same notification comes with the added weight of personal legal and financial repercussions...
Building a NIS2 Compliance Roadmap: A 12-Month Plan for Irish SMEs
Did you know that over 60% of cyberattacks target SMEs, often leading to significant financial losses and reputational damage? For Irish SMEs, the upcoming NIS2 Directive isn't just another piece of E...
NIS2 and GDPR: How the Two Regulations Work Together
In Ireland, a recent survey revealed that over 60% of SMEs experienced a cyberattack in the past year, highlighting the pervasive threat landscape. For many Irish businesses, navigating the complexiti...
NIS2 Third-Party Risk: Managing Your Supply Chain Obligations
Recent statistics reveal that over 60% of cyberattacks now originate within the supply chain, exploiting vulnerabilities in third-party vendors. For Irish SMEs, this isn't just a theoretical risk; it'...
The Cost of NIS2 Non-Compliance: Real-World Enforcement Examples
Imagine your business, a thriving Irish SME, suddenly facing a fine of up to €10 million or 2% of your global annual turnover, whichever is higher. This isn't a hypothetical scenario from a distant fu...
NIS2 for Irish Transport and Logistics Companies
In the past year, the maritime industry alone has seen a staggering 467% increase in organisations paying ransoms after a cyber attack [1]. This alarming statistic underscores a critical reality: Irel...
NIS2 Compliance on a Budget: Affordable Steps for Micro-Enterprises
Imagine a small Irish bakery, a beloved local institution, suddenly unable to process card payments or manage online orders because of a cyberattack. This isn't a far-fetched scenario; cyber incidents...
How Irish MSPs and IT Service Providers Are Affected by NIS2
Discover how the NIS2 Directive directly impacts Irish Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT service providers. Learn about key obligations, risk management, and what steps your business needs to ta...
Data Protection for SMEs: A Practical Guide to Safeguarding Sensitive Information
For Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), data is a valuable asset, but also a significant responsibility. Protecting sensitive information – whether it's customer data...
From Reactive to Proactive: The vCISO's Role in Incident Prevention
For many Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), cybersecurity often feels like a constant game of catch-up. Incidents occur, and resources are then scrambled to respond,...
The Strategic Advantage: How a vCISO Drives Business Growth, Not Just Security
In the past, cybersecurity was often seen as a necessary evil, a cost center that protected the business but didn't actively contribute to its growth. However, in today's digital...
Vendor Risk Management: Protecting Your Business from Third-Party Vulnerabilities
In today's interconnected business landscape, Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) increasingly rely on a web of third-party vendors and service providers. From cloud h...
Cloud Security for SMEs: Protecting Your Data in the Digital Sky
For Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), cloud computing has become an indispensable tool, offering unparalleled flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. From em...
The Role of a vCISO in Achieving NIS2 Compliance for Irish SMEs
The NIS2 Directive is set to significantly reshape the cybersecurity landscape for Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), introducing stringent requirements and placing...
NIS2 Audit Preparation: What Inspectors Will Look For
With the NIS2 Directive's enforcement date fast approaching, many Irish business leaders are asking the same question: are we ready for a compliance audit? For the significant number of Irish SMEs now...
The EU Cyber Resilience Act and NIS2: What Irish Product Companies Need to Know
Imagine a scenario where a critical component in your smart manufacturing line, sourced from a third-party vendor, contains a hidden vulnerability. This flaw, unknown to you, is exploited by cybercrim...
Beyond the Buzzword: Real-World Impact of a vCISO on Irish SMEs
The term "vCISO" (Virtual Chief Information Security Officer) is gaining traction, but for many Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), the real-world impact of engaging...
AI-Powered Phishing: Why Your Employees Can No Longer Spot the Fakes
Imagine a phone call from your bank, the voice perfectly mimicking your branch manager, detailing an urgent security issue. Or an email from your CEO, impeccably worded and contextually accurate, requ...
Deepfake Threats to Irish Businesses: CEO Fraud Gets a Voice
Imagine receiving an urgent call from your CEO, their voice unmistakably familiar, requesting an immediate, confidential transfer of funds. The request seems legitimate, the tone urgent, and the voice...
How SMEs Can Defend Against AI-Generated Cyber Attacks
In 2026, over half of Irish workers fear a major cyber attack, with AI-driven threats surging nationwide [1]. This isn't about sentient AI taking over, but rather sophisticated tools enabling cybercri...
ChatGPT and Data Leakage: Are Your Employees Sharing Secrets with AI?
Is your team inadvertently exposing your company's most sensitive data? A recent study by LayerX Security Ltd. revealed a startling truth: 77% of employees admit to pasting confidential company data i...
Building a Strong Password Policy: Simple Steps for Enhanced Security
For Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), passwords remain a fundamental, yet often overlooked, cornerstone of cybersecurity. A weak or poorly managed password policy c...
Using AI to Strengthen Your Cybersecurity: Tools for SMEs
Cyberattacks are a daily reality for businesses of all sizes, including Irish SMEs. A recent report indicated that over 60% of small businesses globally experienced a cyberattack in the past year [1]....
The Rise of AI-Powered Ransomware: What's Changed in 2026
Imagine a cyberattack that adapts in real-time, learns from your network's defences, and negotiates its ransom demands with chilling precision. This isn't science fiction; it's the reality of AI ranso...
The Hidden Costs of a Breach: Why Cyber Insurance is Essential
For Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), the immediate aftermath of a cyber breach often brings to mind obvious costs like data recovery or system restoration. However...
Securing Remote Work: Best Practices for Irish Hybrid Teams
The shift to remote and hybrid work models has become a permanent fixture for many Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). While offering flexibility and efficiency, this...
Shadow AI: The Hidden Risk of Unauthorised AI Tool Usage in Your Business
A recent Datapac survey found that nearly 30% of employees in Irish businesses use AI tools without IT approval [1]. This shadow AI risk creates significant security and compliance challenges for Iris...
AI and the EU AI Act: What Irish Businesses Need to Know
Recent reports indicate that over 70% of Irish SMEs are already exploring or implementing AI solutions to enhance efficiency and drive innovation. However, with the rapid adoption of artificial intell...
Protecting Your Business from AI-Enhanced Social Engineering
Imagine receiving a call from your CEO, their voice perfectly replicated, urgently requesting a sensitive financial transfer. Or an email, seemingly from a trusted supplier, so meticulously crafted an...
Machine Learning for Fraud Detection: An SME Guide
Irish SMEs collectively lost over €17 million to fraud in just two years, with email-related scams being a significant contributor [1]. This alarming figure underscores the persistent threat businesse...
Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity: Should SMEs Be Worried Yet?
Imagine a future where every encrypted email, every secure transaction, and every protected customer record you hold could be instantly deciphered. This isn't science fiction; it's the potential reali...
AI-Generated Malware: The Next Frontier of Cyber Threats
In a stark reminder of the evolving nature of cyber threats, a finance worker was recently deceived into transferring €25 million after a video conference with a deepfake of his company\'s chief finan...
Cyber Insurance Exclusions: 10 Things Your Policy Probably Doesn't Cover
In 2023, a significant Irish manufacturing SME suffered a sophisticated ransomware attack that crippled its operations for weeks. While they had a cyber insurance policy in place, the claim was ultima...
How to File a Cyber Insurance Claim: A Step-by-Step Guide for Irish SMEs
Imagine arriving at your office one morning to find your systems locked, critical data encrypted, and a ransom note demanding payment. This isn't a scene from a movie; it's a harsh reality for a growi...
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Your First Line of Defense Against Breaches
In an era where password breaches are commonplace and cyberattacks grow increasingly sophisticated, relying solely on a username and password for security is akin to leaving your...
Cyber Insurance Premiums in Ireland: What's Driving Costs Up (and How to Lower Them)
In 2023, cyberattacks cost Irish businesses an average of €1.2 million per incident, a figure that continues to climb. As the threat landscape evolves, so too does the cost of protecting your business...
Do You Need Cyber Insurance If You Have General Liability?
In 2023, the average cost of a data breach in Ireland reached €3.2 million. While many Irish SMEs rightly invest in general liability insurance to protect against common business risks, a critical que...
How a vCISO Can Transform Your Cybersecurity Posture in 90 Days
For Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), the journey to a robust cybersecurity posture often feels like a long and arduous one. However, with the strategic guidance of...
The Importance of Regular Security Audits for Small Businesses
For Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), the digital landscape presents both immense opportunities and significant cybersecurity risks. While implementing security mea...
Navigating the Claims Process: What to Expect from Your Cyber Insurer
For Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), the true value of a cyber insurance policy becomes apparent during a crisis. However, navigating the claims process can be com...
Cyber Insurance and NIS2: How Compliance Affects Your Coverage
In Ireland, a cyberattack now costs SMEs an average of €150,000, a figure that continues to climb as threats become more sophisticated. For many Irish businesses, cyber insurance has become a critical...
The Cyber Insurance Application: How to Avoid Common Mistakes
Imagine this: a phishing attack bypasses your defences, encrypting critical business data and bringing operations to a standstill. You’ve invested in cybersecurity, but the unthinkable has happened. Y...
Building a Security Roadmap with Your vCISO: A Partnership Approach
For Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), establishing a clear, actionable cybersecurity strategy is paramount for long-term resilience and growth. However, without ded...
Business Interruption Coverage: The Most Valuable Part of Your Cyber Policy
Imagine your Irish business, thriving one moment, then brought to a grinding halt by a cyberattack. Your systems are down, orders can't be processed, and revenue streams dry up. This isn't a hypotheti...
Incident Response Planning: What to Do Before a Cyber Attack Hits
For Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), the question is no longer *if* a cyber attack will happen, but *when*. In this reality, having a robust Incident Response Plan...
Cyber Insurance for Professional Services Firms in Ireland
Tailored guide for accountants, solicitors, consultants, and other professional services on cyber coverage needs.
Building a NIS2-Compliant Security Culture in Your Irish Workplace
The NIS2 Directive emphasizes not just technical controls, but also the human element in cybersecurity. For Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), achieving and maintain...
First-Party vs Third-Party Cyber Insurance: What\'s the Difference?
Clear explanation of coverage types, when each applies, and how to balance your policy.
Ransomware and Cyber Insurance: Will Your Insurer Pay the Ransom?
In the last year, a staggering 70% of Irish businesses reported experiencing a cyberattack, with ransomware remaining a persistent and devastating threat. Imagine waking up to find your entire busines...
What to Expect in Your First 90 Days with a vCISO
Cybersecurity breaches are a growing concern for Irish businesses. A recent report highlighted that over 60% of Irish SMEs experienced a cyberattack in the past year, with significant financial and re...
nis2 incident reporting
The NIS2 Directive places a strong emphasis on timely and effective incident reporting, a critical component for enhancing overall cybersecurity resilience across the European Uni...
vCISO vs Managed Security Services: Understanding the Difference
In Ireland, a recent report highlighted that over 60% of SMEs experienced a cyberattack in the past year, with many struggling to recover due to a lack of robust cybersecurity strategies [1]. This ala...
Beyond the Policy: Maximizing Your Cyber Insurance Coverage
For Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), purchasing a cyber insurance policy is a crucial step in managing digital risks. However, simply having a policy isn't enough....
Proactive Steps to Enhance Your Insurability: A vCISO's Perspective
In an increasingly digital and threat-laden world, cyber insurance has become a non-negotiable for Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). However, simply applying for a...
The Future of Cybersecurity in Ireland: What NIS2 Means for Your Growth
The cybersecurity landscape in Ireland is on the cusp of a significant transformation, largely driven by the implementation of the NIS2 Directive. For Irish Small and Medium-sized...
How a vCISO Prepares Your Business for Due Diligence
In today's dynamic business environment, a staggering 60% of small businesses that suffer a cyber attack go out of business within six months. When your Irish SME is on the cusp of a significant trans...
Building a Security Culture: A vCISO's Approach
Recent reports indicate that human error remains a significant factor in over 80% of cyber breaches affecting businesses globally [1]. For Irish SMEs, this statistic is a stark reminder that even the ...
The vCISO's Guide to Reporting Cybersecurity to the Board
Imagine this: A recent cyber incident has just hit a competitor in your sector, causing significant financial and reputational damage. Your board, understandably concerned, turns to you for assurance....
When Should an SME Hire a vCISO? 7 Warning Signs
In Ireland, a recent survey revealed that over 60% of SMEs experienced a cyber incident in the past year, with many struggling to recover effectively. This isn't just a statistic; it's a stark reality...
How a vCISO Manages Vendor Security on Your Behalf
In Ireland, a recent survey revealed that over 60% of data breaches originate from third-party vendors. This alarming statistic highlights a critical vulnerability for Irish SMEs: your cybersecurity i...
The vCISO Engagement Model: Retainer, Project, or Fractional?
Cybersecurity breaches are no longer a distant threat for Irish SMEs. Recent reports indicate a significant rise in cyberattacks targeting businesses of all sizes across Ireland, with the National Cyb...
From Compliance Checkbox to Strategic Asset: How a vCISO Transforms Security
In Ireland, a recent survey revealed that over 60% of SMEs experienced a cyberattack in the past year, yet many still view cybersecurity as a necessary evil – a cost centre driven by compliance rather...
Case Study: How a vCISO Helped an Irish SME Achieve NIS2 Compliance
Fictional but realistic case study showing the journey from assessment to compliance with measurable outcomes.
Zero Trust for Small Businesses: A Practical Getting-Started Guide
In Ireland, cyberattacks are a stark reality for businesses of all sizes. Recent reports indicate a significant increase in cybercrime targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with phishin...
MFA Everywhere: Why Multi-Factor Authentication Is Non-Negotiable in 2026
In 2023, Google's research revealed a stark reality: 52% of users reuse the same password across multiple accounts [1]. This widespread practice, coupled with the increasing sophistication of cyber th...
The Interplay of Risk Assessment and Cyber Insurance for SMEs
For Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), effective cybersecurity is a two-pronged approach: proactive risk management and strategic risk transfer. While a robust risk...
The SME Cybersecurity Starter Kit: 10 Steps to Get Protected Today
In Ireland, a staggering 80% of cyberattacks target small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This isn't just a statistic; it represents real Irish businesses facing significant financial losses, rep...
Patch Management for SMEs: Why Updates Matter More Than You Think
Just one unpatched application was the entry point for the ransomware attack that crippled the HSE in 2021, a stark reminder of the severe consequences of overlooking software updates [1]. For Irish S...
The Cybersecurity Budget: How to Invest Smartly for Maximum Protection
For many Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), allocating resources to cybersecurity can feel like a daunting task. With limited budgets and competing priorities, decid...
What is a vCISO and Why Do Irish SMEs Need One?
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern; it's a fundamental business imperative. For many Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterpr...
Securing Your Microsoft 365 Environment: A Guide for Irish SMEs
Practical hardening guide for M365 including conditional access, DLP, email security, and SharePoint permissions.
What Insurers Look For: Preparing Your Business for Cyber Insurance
Cyber insurance has become an essential component of risk management for Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). However, securing comprehensive coverage at a reasonable...
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Why Antivirus Isn't Enough Anymore
Imagine your business, a thriving Irish SME, suddenly grinding to a halt. Not because of a power cut or a supply chain issue, but because a sophisticated cyberattack has bypassed your traditional anti...
How to Conduct a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment for Your SME: A Step-by-Step Guide for Irish Businesses
In Ireland, a staggering 80% of cyberattacks target SMEs, often due to perceived weaker defences and a lack of dedicated cybersecurity resources [1]. For many Irish business owners and IT managers, th...
Backup Strategy for SMEs: The 3-2-1-1-0 Rule Explained
Imagine arriving at your office one morning to find your entire IT system locked down, inaccessible, and a ransom note demanding payment to restore your critical business data. This isn\'t a scene fro...
DNS Security: The Overlooked Protection Layer for Small Businesses
In Ireland, a recent survey revealed that over 60% of SMEs experienced a cyberattack in the past year, with phishing and malware being the most common threats. Many Irish businesses invest in firewall...
Top 5 Cybersecurity Threats Facing Irish SMEs in 2026
Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the nation's economy, yet they are increasingly becoming prime targets for cybercriminals. Often perceived as h...
Network Segmentation on a Budget: Protecting Your Crown Jewels
Imagine a fire breaking out in one room of your office. Without fire doors, the entire building is at risk. In the digital world, a breach in one part of your network can quickly spread, compromising ...
Email Security Beyond Spam Filters: DMARC, DKIM, and SPF Explained
Imagine a scenario: a critical email, seemingly from your CEO, lands in your finance manager's inbox, instructing an urgent payment to a new vendor. Without a second thought, the payment is processed....
Securing Your Wi-Fi Network: A Business Owner's Checklist
Practical steps including WPA3, guest networks, network monitoring, and rogue access point detection for Irish SMEs.
How to Choose a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) in Ireland
According to recent reports, almost three-quarters (71%) of Irish businesses experienced at least one cyberattack in the past year [1]. For Irish SMEs, navigating this increasingly hostile digital lan...
Privileged Access Management: Why Admin Accounts Are Your Biggest Risk
Imagine a single key that unlocks every door in your business – your financial records, customer data, intellectual property, and operational systems. Now imagine that key is duplicated, shared freely...
Navigating NIS2: A Step-by-Step Guide for Small to Medium Enterprises
The NIS2 Directive represents a significant evolution in European cybersecurity legislation, expanding its reach to encompass a broader range of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs)...
Employee Cybersecurity Training: Turning Your Team into Your Strongest Firewall
For Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), technology alone cannot provide complete cybersecurity. The human element remains the most critical, and often the weakest, li...
The Cost of Non-Compliance: Why Irish SMEs Can't Ignore NIS2
For many Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), the NIS2 Directive might seem like another regulatory hurdle. However, ignoring or delaying compliance with this crucial...
Security Monitoring for SMEs: What to Watch and How to Respond
Imagine discovering a data breach months after it happened, or finding out your systems were compromised not from your own alerts, but from a customer or even the media. For many Irish SMEs, this isn'...
Securing the Hybrid Workplace: A Cybersecurity Framework for Irish SMEs
In Ireland, the shift to hybrid work has brought unprecedented flexibility but also new cybersecurity challenges for SMEs. A recent report by ENISA, the EU cybersecurity agency, highlights the increas...
BYOD Security Policies: Balancing Flexibility and Protection
Over 30% of Irish businesses now embrace Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, allowing employees to use personal devices for work [6]. While this offers undeniable benefits in flexibility and employ...
VPN vs Zero Trust Network Access: Which Is Right for Your Remote Team?
In 2023, nearly 60% of Irish businesses experienced a cyberattack, with remote access points frequently exploited. For Irish SMEs, the shift to remote and hybrid work has brought unprecedented flexibi...
Securing Video Conferencing: Zoom, Teams, and Google Meet Best Practices
Practical tips for preventing meeting hijacking, data leakage, and recording security for Irish SMEs using Zoom, Teams, and Google Meet.
Phishing Protection: Essential Training for Your Irish Workforce
Phishing remains one of the most pervasive and damaging cyber threats facing businesses worldwide, and Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are no exception. Despite te...
Home Office Cybersecurity: A Guide for Your Remote Employees
Printable guide for employees covering router security, device updates, physical security, and safe browsing.
Managing Shadow IT in a Remote Workforce
In a recent survey, nearly 80% of employees admitted to using non-approved SaaS applications for work. For Irish SMEs, where resources are often stretched, this widespread use of unauthorised cloud se...
Secure File Sharing for Irish Businesses: Beyond Email Attachments
In an era where data breaches are increasingly common, relying on email attachments for sensitive information exchange is akin to leaving your front door unlocked. For Irish businesses, ensuring secur...
Co-Working Space Security: Protecting Your Business Outside the Office
In a recent survey, nearly 70% of Irish SMEs reported adopting hybrid work models, allowing employees unprecedented flexibility to work from various locations beyond the traditional office. This shift...
Building an Incident Response Plan: A Template for Irish SMEs
Cyberattacks are no longer a question of "if," but "when." In Ireland, a recent survey revealed that over 60% of Irish businesses experienced a cyber incident in the past year, with many underprepared...
The First 24 Hours After a Cyber Attack: What to Do (and What Not to Do)
Imagine arriving at work to find your systems locked, data inaccessible, or customer information compromised. This isn't a hypothetical scenario for many Irish SMEs. Recent reports indicate that one i...
Ransomware Response Playbook: Should You Pay the Ransom?
Imagine arriving at work one morning to find your entire IT system locked down. A chilling message appears on every screen: "Your files are encrypted. Pay us to get them back." This isn't a scene from...
Tabletop Exercises: How to Test Your Incident Response Plan
In 2023, the average cost of a data breach in Ireland reached €3.34 million [1]. For many Irish SMEs, such an event could be catastrophic, threatening not just finances but also reputation and custome...
Incident Response and Cyber Insurance: A Coordinated Approach
For Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), a cyber incident is not a matter of if, but when. When it happens, a swift, coordinated response is crucial to minimize damage...
Business Continuity Planning for Cyber Incidents: Beyond Backup and Recovery
Imagine your business, a thriving Irish SME, suddenly grinding to a halt. Not due to a power cut or a natural disaster, but a sophisticated cyberattack that cripples your systems, encrypts your data, ...
Cyber Crisis Communication: What to Tell Customers, Staff, and Regulators
Imagine arriving at work to find your systems locked, your data potentially exposed, and your business grinding to a halt. This isn't a hypothetical scenario for many Irish SMEs; it's a harsh reality ...
Post-Incident Review: Learning from a Cyber Attack
In Ireland, a cyber attack isn't just a technical glitch; it's a business disruption with potentially severe financial and reputational consequences. Recent reports indicate that Irish SMEs are increa...
The Hidden Costs of a Data Breach for Irish SMEs
Imagine this: a seemingly minor cyber incident, perhaps a phishing email that slipped through your defences, leads to a data breach. Your initial thought might be about the immediate financial impact ...
Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS): Is It Right for Your SME?
Imagine your business, a thriving Irish SME, suddenly unable to operate. A critical server fails, a cyberattack encrypts your data, or a natural disaster strikes. How quickly could you recover? For ma...
Cyber Insurance Claims: How to Document an Incident for Maximum Recovery
Imagine this: your Irish SME has just been hit by a sophisticated cyberattack. Data is encrypted, systems are down, and panic is setting in. While your immediate focus is on containment and recovery, ...
Cybersecurity as a Business Enabler: A Strategic View for Irish Leaders
For too long, cybersecurity has been viewed by many business leaders as a necessary evil—a cost center, a technical burden, or simply an insurance policy against disaster. However...
NIS2 vs. GDPR: How They Intersect and What Irish Businesses Need to Know
For Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), navigating the European regulatory landscape can feel like a complex maze. Two significant pieces of legislation, the General...
Cybersecurity for Irish Retail and E-Commerce Businesses
Imagine a busy Saturday morning, your online store is buzzing with orders, and then suddenly, your payment system crashes. Or worse, a data breach exposes your customers' sensitive financial informati...
Cybersecurity for Irish Construction and Engineering Firms
In Ireland, a single cyberattack can cost an SME an average of €25,000, a figure that can quickly escalate for businesses handling complex project data and extensive supply chains. For Irish construct...
Maximizing Your Security Investment: The ROI of a Virtual CISO
For Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), every investment must demonstrate clear value and a tangible return. Cybersecurity, while critical, can often be perceived as...
Cybersecurity for Irish Legal Practices: Protecting Client Confidentiality
In an era where digital threats evolve daily, the legal sector in Ireland faces a particularly acute challenge. Recent reports indicate that nearly one-third of Irish firms paid a cyber ransom in the ...
Cybersecurity for Irish Accountancy Firms: Protecting Financial Data
Imagine the scenario: it’s the height of tax season, your team is working tirelessly, and suddenly, your systems are locked down by ransomware. Client files – sensitive financial data, tax returns, pa...
Cybersecurity for Irish Manufacturing: Protecting OT and IT
In Ireland, the manufacturing sector contributes significantly to the national economy, yet it faces an escalating threat landscape. Recent reports indicate a substantial increase in cyberattacks targ...
Cybersecurity for Irish Hospitality: Hotels, Restaurants, and Tourism
Imagine a bustling hotel in Dublin, its booking system suddenly inaccessible, or a popular Cork restaurant, its POS terminals frozen by ransomware. These aren't hypothetical scenarios; cyberattacks ar...
Cybersecurity for Irish Charities and Non-Profits
In Ireland, a staggering 31% of all nation-state cyberattacks target non-profit organisations, making them the second most targeted sector globally [1]. This alarming statistic highlights a critical v...
Preparing Your Board for NIS2: Key Briefings and Responsibilities
The NIS2 Directive represents a significant shift in cybersecurity governance, placing direct responsibility and potential liability on the management bodies of in-scope entities....
Demystifying Cyber Insurance: What Irish SMEs Need to Know Before Buying
In an era where cyberattacks are a constant threat, cyber insurance has emerged as a critical component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. For Irish Small and Medium-sized...
Cybersecurity for Irish Agricultural and Food Businesses
A comprehensive guide for Irish SMEs on cybersecurity best practices.
Is Your Business Ready for NIS2? A Comprehensive Checklist for Irish Companies
The NIS2 Directive is set to redefine cybersecurity standards across the European Union, and Irish businesses, particularly SMEs, need to assess their readiness. With expanded sco...
Your vCISO as a Trusted Advisor: Navigating the Complex Cyber Landscape
In the intricate and ever-shifting world of cybersecurity, Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) often find themselves without a dedicated expert to guide them. The thre...
Cybersecurity for Irish Recruitment and HR Firms: Protecting Your Most Sensitive Data
In Ireland, a staggering 90% of companies have been impacted by cyberattacks in recent years, with SMEs often seen as easier targets due to perceived weaker defences [1]. For recruitment firm cybersec...
Cybersecurity for Irish Pharmacies and Healthcare Providers
In 2023, the Health Service Executive (HSE) reported over 1.2 million cyber-attacks, highlighting the relentless and sophisticated threats facing Ireland's healthcare sector. For Irish pharmacies and ...
Building a Human Firewall: Security Awareness Training That Actually Works
Evidence-based approaches to security training that change behaviour, not just tick compliance boxes.
Phishing Simulations: How to Run Them Without Destroying Employee Trust
In Ireland, a recent report highlighted that over 80% of cyberattacks begin with a phishing attempt. For Irish SMEs, where resources are often stretched thin, a single successful phishing attack can l...
Social Media and Cybersecurity: What Your Employees Post Can Hurt Your Business
In an era where a single tweet can move markets, consider the profound impact a seemingly innocuous social media post from one of your employees could have on your business's cybersecurity. Recent rep...
Insider Threats: The Risk That Comes from Within
Recent reports indicate that over 60% of data breaches involve an insider. While external cyberattacks often grab headlines, the most insidious threats can originate from within your own organisation....
Beyond the Basics: Advanced NIS2 Strategies for Resilient Irish Businesses
For Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) that have already grasped the fundamental requirements of the NIS2 Directive, the next step is to move beyond basic compliance....
Creating a Cybersecurity Policy Your Employees Will Actually Read
Imagine a scenario: a new employee joins your Irish SME, eager to contribute. They're handed a dense, jargon-filled cybersecurity policy document – 50 pages of legalistic text that quickly gets filed ...
The Psychology of Cyber Attacks: Why Smart People Click Bad Links
Imagine receiving an email that looks perfectly legitimate – perhaps from your bank, a known supplier, or even your CEO. It demands immediate action, warns of a security breach, or offers an irresisti...
Gamifying Security Training: Making Cybersecurity Engaging for Your Team
In Ireland, a staggering 88% of businesses experienced a cyberattack in the past year, with human error often cited as a significant contributing factor. Traditional, often monotonous, cybersecurity t...
NIS2 and Cyber Insurance: How Compliance Can Lower Your Premiums
For Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), the NIS2 Directive and cyber insurance are two critical components of a robust cybersecurity strategy. While NIS2 mandates a h...
Security Champions Programme: Embedding Security in Every Department
Recent statistics from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Ireland reveal a concerning trend: cyberattacks against Irish businesses are on the rise, with SMEs often targeted due to perceived wea...
Onboarding and Offboarding: The Security Risks You're Probably Missing
When a new employee joins your Irish SME, or a long-standing team member departs, it’s a moment of transition. While HR focuses on paperwork and team integration, the cybersecurity implications of emp...
Cybersecurity for Business Owners Who Hate Technology
Imagine this: You wake up to an email from an unknown sender, claiming your company's data has been stolen and demanding a hefty sum in Bitcoin. Your systems are locked, your employees can't work, and...
Cost-Effective Cybersecurity Leadership: The Pragmatic vCISO Model
For many Irish Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), the need for robust cybersecurity leadership is undeniable, yet the cost of a full-time Chief Information Security Office...
Supply Chain Security Under NIS2: Protecting Your Business and Partners
The NIS2 Directive marks a significant shift in cybersecurity regulations, extending its reach beyond an organization's direct operations to encompass the entire supply chain. For...
NIS2 for Irish SMEs: Understanding Your New Cybersecurity Obligations
The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and with it, the threats to businesses. In response, the European Union has introduced the Network and Information Security 2 (NIS2)...
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