Increase in Cyber Attacks Last Year

Almost one in five Irish firms experienced a cyber attack or data breach in 2022, according to a new survey from professional services firm Aon. The study found that companies with more than 250 employees are more at risk. 

The survey of 228 senior business leaders from companies across Ireland found that cyber is now the fourth biggest business risk facing Irish organisations today. 

According to the research, 35 percent of firms provided cyber security training to employees last year which is down from 40 percent in 2021. More than two-thirds of Irish firms said they plan to invest more in cyber security and resilience in the coming years with 72 percent of firms with more than 250 employees saying they plan to increase spending in this area.  

A separate report from consultancy firm Kroll found that there was a spike in ransomware attacks in the final quarter of 2022. The report found that ransomware attacks against the technology and telecommunications sector more than doubled in the fourth quarter of 2022 with the manufacturing industry seeing a 25 percent increase in attacks. Phishing was most common initial access method in 2022 and email compromise was the most common threat type. 

AmCham understands that strong cybersecurity is a necessity in an increasingly digitalised world. Many of the world’s largest companies have operations, and regional headquarters here and require world class-protection and regulation. In this context, AmCham has advocated for continued investment and resourcing for the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). AmCham notes the Government’s commitment to expand the headcount in the NCSC to 70 over the next 5 years and strongly recommends that this commitment is kept under constant review to keep pace with Ireland’s cybersecurity needs particularly in the context of our strategic importance as a hub in the transatlantic digital economy. 

AmCham recently submitted to the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications’ consultation on the National Cyber Security Strategy 2019-2024 Mid-Term Review Consultation, which you can read here.

To engage with AmCham on topics related to digital, please contact Colm O’Callaghan Head of Public Affairs and Advocacy at c.ocallaghan@amcham.ie.