Irish businesses show ‘disconnect between perception and reality' on cybersecurity
More than 90 per cent of Irish businesses believe they are adequately protected against cyberattacks, even though almost six in 10 do not regularly update their software, according to research by insurance broker Gallagher.
The company commissioned a survey of 300 businesses across Ireland and Britain, 100 of which are based in Ireland, to assess what critical cybersecurity tools organisations are using to protect themselves.
The group said the data highlighted a 'disconnect between perception and reality' on the part of Irish businesses.
More than half fail to run regular automated data backups, indicating a 'worrying lack of protection against cyber criminals'.
READ MORE
Furthermore, just four in 10 Irish organisations reported having provided cybersecurity training to their staff, described as 'one of the most effective methods of preventing cyber incidents'.
'Our research suggests that there is a mismatch between how well protected businesses in Ireland believe they are against cyberattacks and the steps they have taken to manage such threats,' said Laura Vickers of Gallagher in Ireland.
'Regularly updating software is a very basic step but it is crucial for cybersecurity, as updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities and this in turn could potentially prevent cyberattacks and data breaches.
[
Almost 90% of Irish companies hit by disruption or financial loss due to cyberattacks
Opens in new window
]
'Automatic data backup is another crucial cybersecurity measure, as it helps protect against data loss from various incidents such as ransomware attacks, hardware failures and accidental deletions.'
The research found that almost two-thirds of Irish businesses believe they are 'very protected' against a cyberattack, while a further 28 per cent said they are 'quite protected'.
At 92 per cent, the number of Irish businesses that feel adequately protected against cyberattacks is slightly higher than in Britain, where 89 per cent of firms indicated this to be the case.
Four in 10 Irish businesses have suffered at least one cyberattack in the last five years, and of those businesses, 88 per cent suffered a financial loss and commercial disruption.
'It is important that Irish businesses are not complacent about the threats out there and that they don't overestimate their cyber resilience or underestimate the potential impact of a cyberattack,' Ms Vickers said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Times
4 hours ago
- Irish Times
The Irish Times view on public transport in Dublin: keep pushing forward
It has been eight years since Ireland last delivered a fixed rail project – the Luas cross-city line, which was delivered efficiently, albeit with inevitable disruption. Since then headlines have been dominated by plans for new projects – including the giant Metrolink – but little enough by way of construction work. In this context, the expansion of the Dart network is a a vital element. It may not be as dramatic as the Metro, but it could offer better connectivity to a host of areas around Dublin and beyond into some of the commuter counties. Like all major infrastructure plans, various aspects of this strategy have been proceeding slowly through the planning and in some cases a procurement process. The announcement this week that two legal challenges to the Dart+West project will be avoided due to agreements being reached with two businesses in the Ashtown area is welcome. While the details of these agreements have not been revealed, studies had shown that the two businesses would be the most seriously affected in the area from work on the new line. Now a way has been found to deliver the huge advantages to the public, while avoiding the uncertainties of the legal process. New planning laws can help to lessen spurious objections, but it is also necessary to deal with genuine ones – like those held by the two businesses – if vital projects like this are to proceed. And ideally without recourse to the courts. READ MORE The Dart project is also proceeding on other fronts, too, with an announcement this week of a proposed new station in Cabra on the Dart+ South West project. Strikingly, 26,000 people live within 1Km of the chosen location. The idea emerged from a public consultation process. The Dart expansion is part of a complex web of projects planned for Dublin, also including Bus Connects and the Metro. Progressing these is vital to get people out of their cars, cut emissions and open up new land for housing. We must presume that the necessary funds will be set aside in the revised National Development Plan, which is due shortly.
Irish Times
5 hours ago
- Irish Times
Past time to lift Dublin passenger cap say American carriers
It is 'past time' for the Government to axe the controversial cap limiting Dublin Airport to 32 million passengers a-year, North American airlines warned on Wednesday. Airlines for America (A4A), whose members include US and Canadian carriers that fly to Dublin, said in a statement that it was bewildered at the cap remains despite Government pledges to lift it and widespread business condemnation of the planning condition. 'It is past time for the Irish Government to show leadership on this matter and take steps to remove the cap which hinders commerce, disrupts the seamless facilitation of passengers and threatens economic growth, jobs and tourism on both sides of the Atlantic,' said the group. 'It is critical that this matter be resolved swiftly to avoid long-term damage to the US-Ireland relationship, the aviation market and the broader transatlantic economy.' READ MORE A4A's comments follow a warning from Willie Walsh , the International Air Transport Association's Irish director general, that the cap was angering US airlines. Michael O'Leary , Ryanair chief executive, this week also renewed calls on the Government to lift the cap, a measure included in the Programme for Government.
Irish Times
6 hours ago
- Irish Times
Ballymaloe Cookery School profits soar after Kate Winslet enrolls for course
Boosted by Hollywood star Kate Winslet enrolling for a course at the Ballymaloe Cookery School last year, post-tax profits at the school increased by 53 per cent to €135,952 in 2024, according to its accounts. It recorded post-tax profits of €88,864 in 2023. The post-tax profits at the cookery school last year resulted in accumulated profits rising to €3.05 million. The total remuneration of its three directors – Darina Allen, Toby Allen and Rory O'Connell – in 2024 (including salaries and other benefits) was €329,847; the previous year they shared €336,478. READ MORE The east Cork cookery school business sits on a 100 acre organic farm, where Darina Allen is the majority shareholder. In April of last year, t came under the spotlight after Winslet enrolled in a two-and-a-half-day course there with TV chef and bestselling cookbook author Rachel Allen. The cookery school usually has more than 60 courses on offer each year and the flagship programme remains the 12-week long certificate course which runs three times every year. Already, the course for this September and January of next year is booked out, with participants paying €16,295 for September's course and €16,795 for the January option. The school increased its headcount last year, from 68 to 73 people, with staff costs rising from €2.52 million to €2.6 million. Staff numbers are made up of three directors , 70 teachers and administration staff. The profits last year take account of non-cash depreciation costs of €183,123 while directors' pay dipped slightly from €336,478 to €329,847. The firm's cash funds increased from €944,642 to €988,639. The book value of the firm's fixed assets increased marginally from €4.7 million to €4.78 million. Under the heading of 'post balance-sheet event', the accounts said that 'there is a significant risk to the global economy arising from the current geopolitical situation and the impact on energy costs and inflation'. The note added that 'this development will have implications for the activities of the company in future months. The directors are unable to quantify or determine what the extent of the implications of these matters are for the company as at the date of approval of the financial statements'. The cookery school is one of a number of businesses operated by members of the Allen family at Ballymaloe.
