Ireland’s Cybersecurity Paradox: Lagging in AI Defense While Leading in Workforce Development

Global Cybersecurity Confidence Gap Exposed

New research from PwC’s 2026 Global Digital Trust Insights survey reveals a concerning global confidence gap in cybersecurity preparedness, with Irish organizations demonstrating a complex mix of strengths and vulnerabilities. The comprehensive study, which surveyed 4,000 business and technology executives across 72 countries, found that less than half of organizations worldwide feel “very capable” of withstanding a major cyberattack despite increasing technological threats.

Ireland’s Investment Trends and Strategic Shifts

While 57% of Irish businesses are increasing investments in cyber risk management, this represents a decline from previous years and falls slightly below the global average of 60%. This investment pattern emerges amid growing concerns about AI-powered threats and quantum computing vulnerabilities that could fundamentally reshape the cybersecurity landscape., as previous analysis, according to related coverage

Leonard McAuliffe, cyber security partner at PwC Ireland, emphasized the shifting priorities: “The survey reveals that cyber priorities are shifting and technologies like AI and quantum computing are reshaping risk. For Irish firms, the message is clear – they recognise the potential of advanced technologies, but many are still finding their footing.”, according to industry experts

AI Adoption: Confidence Crisis in Cyber Defense

The survey uncovered significant hesitation among Irish leaders regarding AI implementation for cybersecurity. A striking 42% of Irish decision-makers expressed uncertainty about AI’s value for cyber defense, significantly higher than the global average of 34%. This skepticism persists despite overwhelming global concern about AI-powered threats, including:, according to market insights

• AI-powered malware (62% of organizations concerned)
• AI-powered supply chain attacks (56%)
• Deepfake social engineering (48%)

Meanwhile, only 35% of organizations globally are prioritizing agentic AI as a security capability for the coming year, suggesting a broader industry caution about artificial intelligence integration.

Quantum Computing: The Looming Cryptographic Crisis

Perhaps the most alarming finding concerns quantum computing preparedness. With estimates suggesting quantum computers could break current encryption protocols by 2030, Irish organizations appear dangerously underprepared. Only 8% of Irish organizations are actively implementing quantum-resistant technologies, significantly below the already modest global average of 22%., according to recent studies

Moira Cronin, business assurance partner at PwC Ireland, highlighted the regulatory imperative: “Planning ahead is also critical. European regulations like the Digital Operational Resilience Act and the Network and Information Security Directive 2 are reinforcing the need for forward-thinking cyber strategies that embed resilience into the core of the business.”

Ireland’s Strategic Strengths and Supply Chain Vigilance

Despite these challenges, Irish organizations demonstrate notable strengths in several strategic areas. Irish firms are showing greater supply chain vigilance than their global counterparts, with 32% changing suppliers to reduce exposure to third-party risks compared to 26% globally.

Additionally, Irish companies excel in workforce development approaches. The survey found that 43% of Irish organizations plan to shape their cybersecurity spending around ongoing security training, significantly ahead of the global average of 28%. This commitment to human capital development represents a strategic advantage in addressing the global cyber talent shortage.

Financial Impact and Ransomware Realities

The financial stakes of cybersecurity failures continue to escalate globally. PwC’s research found that 39% of organizations worldwide experienced their most damaging cyber breach costing over $500,000, with 11% reporting costs exceeding $10 million and 3% surpassing $20 million in damages.

In Ireland, the average cyber ransom cost companies approximately €700,000 last year, with one in three large enterprises admitting to paying at least one ransom. These figures underscore the critical importance of proactive defense strategies and robust incident response capabilities.

The Path Forward: Building Cyber Resilience

McAuliffe summarized the imperative for Irish organizations: “This year’s findings show that resilience comes from foresight, not hindsight. Organizations should ensure that they are also investing in AI and cyber skills, prioritising the upskilling and re-skilling of their cyber teams in order to clearly and proactively map the cyber risks they face.”

The survey reveals that Irish businesses are addressing the cyber talent gap through upskilling and reskilling initiatives at rates higher than global averages, particularly in AI, machine learning, and security automation tools. Simultaneously, 35% of Irish businesses plan to recruit third-party cybersecurity services in the coming year, reflecting growing demand for specialized expertise.

This dual approach—developing internal capabilities while leveraging external expertise—may provide Irish organizations with the balanced strategy needed to navigate the evolving threat landscape while capitalizing on their existing strengths in workforce development and supply chain management.

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