74% of Irish Companies Hit by Cybercrime – Waterford Event to Address Rising Attacks
Cybercrime is becoming one of the most pressing threats to Irish businesses, and the statistics are sounding alarm bells. According to recent industry reports, one in three SMEs in Ireland experienced a cyberattack between May 2021 and April 2022, with the average ransom payout surpassing €22,000. For many companies, a single incident can cripple operations, damage reputation, and lead to significant financial loss.
The broader picture is even more alarming. In 2022 alone, cybercrime is estimated to have cost the Irish economy more than €10 billion, factoring in direct financial theft, system downtime, and data loss. As attackers grow more sophisticated and better resourced, many businesses—particularly SMEs—remain underprepared.
To address this growing crisis, Unitec IT Solutions, in collaboration with the Walton Institute, Waterford Chamber of Commerce and SETU Xcelerate Centre, is hosting a dedicated Cyber Security Business Event in Waterford on Wednesday, 11 September 2025. The event will run from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at SETU Waterford and is strictly booking only.
The event aims to equip business leaders, IT managers, and owners of SMEs with the practical tools and knowledge they need to safeguard their systems and data. Attendees will hear real-world case studies, including a detailed account of a ransomware attack on an Irish company, and learn how rapid response and preparedness made the difference between recovery and collapse.
Representatives from the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau will be on hand to share insights from the frontline, alongside international cybersecurity leaders such as Fortinet, Microsoft, Datto, and Barracuda. Attendees will have access to one-to-one advisory sessions with these experts, allowing for tailored advice on security solutions, risk assessments, and compliance requirements.
“Cybercriminals are not just targeting governments or large enterprises anymore—they’re going after businesses of all sizes, particularly those that appear vulnerable,” said Ian Power, MD of Unitec. “What we want to do is empower Irish SMEs with the knowledge and confidence to take proactive steps before they become victims.”
The statistics back up the urgency of the message. A recent report from the Garda National Cyber Security Centre recorded over 5,200 cyber incidents in the last year alone, with 721 confirmed as malicious cyberattacks. These incidents ranged from phishing scams and credential theft to full-scale ransomware deployments and system breaches.
In addition, government surveys show that 22% of businesses and 14% of charities in Ireland were victims of some form of cybercrime in the past 12 months. Many of these organisations lacked a dedicated IT security resource or recovery plan—leaving them exposed and scrambling in the aftermath of an attack.
The event will also spotlight Ireland’s evolving cybersecurity legislation, including the National Cyber Security Bill, which introduces stricter regulatory requirements for businesses handling sensitive data. The bill underscores the responsibility companies have to secure their systems or face legal and financial consequences.
In a rare opportunity, attendees will also book a behind-the-scenes tour of the Walton Institute’s high-security data centre—home to some of Ireland’s most advanced research in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and next-generation cybersecurity technologies.
The organisers are encouraging early booking due to high interest and limited capacity.
Event Details
- Date: Wednesday, 11 September 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Location: SETU, Waterford
- Admission: Free, but booking is essential
- Register at: https://unitec.ie/cyberevent
- Contact: info@unitec.ie
Businesses of all sizes are urged not to wait until after an incident occurs. Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue—it’s a business survival issue. The Waterford event offers an important chance to get informed, stay protected, and meet the challenge head-on.
