We have all seen the headlines: AI apocalypse, deepfake doomsday and phishing pandemonium. Cybersecurity concerns are growing among workers in Ireland, especially as evolving technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) become more widely adopted by attackers and leave businesses feeling increasingly vulnerable.
It has reached a point where, according to new research conducted by Landmark and Censuswide in January 2026, more than half (52%) of employees expect Ireland to suffer a catastrophic cyber incident this year. Meanwhile, three-in-five (61%) say Ireland is less prepared than other European countries to defend against cybersecurity threats.
In this blog, we break down the realities of cybersecurity in Ireland in 2026, look at examples of cybersecurity attacks, and explore how your business can best prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
AI tops the concerns list
The rapid rise of AI, coupled with a somewhat limited understanding of the associated risks, has cemented its position as the biggest source of anxiety for employees when it comes to cybersecurity. According to our research, 87% of workers cite AI-powered phishing attacks that are harder to detect as a key challenge for the coming year.
In addition, the same proportion are worried about cybercriminals using AI to steal company data, while 83% of employees are most concerned about AI-generated deepfake scams targeting their organisation.
The AI threat is certainly looming in employees’ minds and our findings paint a worrying picture. Businesses must be ready to combat risks by strengthening their defences and ensuring they are better equipped to deal with these increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Cyberattack? Just another day at the office
You might wonder: how often does the average office worker really encounter a cyberattack? Landmark’s new research suggests that cyberattacks are becoming a routine part of working life for Irish businesses and employees. In the past 12 months alone, 80% of employees have personally experienced a cybersecurity incident or attack at work, with 43% experiencing multiple attacks.
The increasing frequency and rising sophistication of cyber threats are leaving many businesses feeling overwhelmed and powerless. Cyberattacks can not only cause serious reputational or operational damage, but can have major financial repercussions too. Over one-in-10 workers say that, in the last year, a cyber incident resulted in a financial hit for their organisation. Meanwhile, 9% say a ransom was paid to cybercriminals.
People are the biggest threats to cybersecurity
Looking ahead, what (or who) is the weakest link when it comes to cybersecurity in Ireland? As anxieties grow, 61% of employees believe staff will continue to be the biggest security risk in their organisation.
These concerns are backed up by the fact that, in the last year, one-in-eight employees admit that they clicked on a malicious link or attachment but didn’t report it – whilst the same proportion said that their organisation had confidential data stolen. Risks are evident at all levels within organisations, with 13% of workers saying that a senior leader fell for a cyber or phishing scam in the last year.
These findings highlight the need for open dialogue between leaders and employees on how to spot and deal with cybersecurity threats as evolving technologies, such as AI, are increasingly adopted. The research also underscores the importance of regular and up-to-date cybersecurity awareness training for all employees. 81% of those surveyed believe that cybersecurity is every employee’s responsibility in 2026 – not just IT.
In summary…
When we step back and examine how workers feel about the cybersecurity landscape in Ireland, there is a clear sense of anxiety about the future. However, hope is far from lost. The advancements in technology that are available to attackers are equally available to defenders, helping to protect against the biggest cybersecurity threats.
As risks continue to escalate, businesses should consider partnering with a trusted cybersecurity provider that can put the right systems in place to keep sensitive information and critical data secure.
To find out more about Landmark’s cybersecurity services, speak to our highly skilled technical or customer service teams. Call us on 01 569 1056 or email hello@landmark.ie.
