Ireland is “punching way above its weight” in cybersecurity innovation, according to Enterprise Ireland, as the country strengthens its role in global digital defence amid rising cyber threats.
The agency is hosting a three-day Cyber Innovation Showcase in London alongside the Infosecurity conference, bringing together Irish cybersecurity firms to present technologies aimed at detecting and countering increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.
Enterprise Ireland said Irish-developed solutions are now widely used by governments and major corporations around the world for threat detection and investigative intelligence, reflecting the sector’s growing international reputation.
Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland from London, Enterprise Ireland cybersecurity and fintech spokesperson AnnaMarie Turley said 24 Irish cybersecurity start-ups are taking part in the showcase. Among them are firms such as Tines, Cytidel and CWSI, which are developing tools for automation, security operations and digital protection systems.
Turley said Irish companies are working across both public and private sectors globally to secure essential infrastructure. “Our companies are helping transform how cybersecurity is delivered, protecting banks, critical infrastructure, power grids, manufacturing systems, healthcare networks — ultimately the systems that underpin everyday life,” she said.
Ireland currently hosts more than 140 cybersecurity companies, according to Enterprise Ireland data, and the sector continues to expand as demand for advanced digital security grows.
However, authorities have warned that cyber threats facing Ireland are becoming more complex and persistent. The National Cyber Security Centre has highlighted state-aligned cyber activity, particularly from Russia and China-linked groups, as part of a broader increase in systemic threats across Europe.
The 2021 cyberattack on the Health Service Executive remains one of the most serious incidents targeting Irish infrastructure, with recovery and response costs estimated at €102 million. Officials continue to cite it as a reminder of the scale of disruption cyberattacks can cause.
Turley said the threat environment is evolving rapidly, driven in part by artificial intelligence and more advanced attack methods. She also pointed to upcoming EU regulations, including NIS2, DORA and the Cyber Resilience Act, which aim to raise cybersecurity standards across critical sectors.
While large organisations are strengthening defences, Turley stressed that small and medium-sized enterprises also need greater support. She noted that 40% of Irish businesses have already experienced cyberattacks this year.
“The reality is simple,” she said. “It is not a question of if an organisation will be attacked, but when.”
