Cybersecurity Takes Centre Stage at MTU as Unitec Event Urges Organisations to Act Now

CORK — At a time when Irish businesses are facing an unprecedented surge in cyberattacks, yesterday’s Cyber Security Event at MTU Bishopstown delivered a timely wake‑up call. Across a morning of expert talks, candid discussions and real‑world insights, one theme emerged again and again: cybersecurity is no longer optional, and complacency is costly.

Hosted by Unitec IT Solutions in partnership with Munster Technological University (MTU), the event attracted professionals from manufacturing, healthcare, education, local government, engineering, retail and beyond — a striking reminder that cybersecurity is now a universal concern. From the very first session, it was evident that the audience wasn’t just listening; they were absorbing every detail.

One attendee captured the mood perfectly as he left the hall:
“It scared the pants off him — he’s going back to the office to see what they need to do next to address their cybersecurity.”

His reaction echoed throughout the venue — a mixture of alarm, curiosity, and motivation to take immediate action.

A Critical Moment for Cyber Awareness in Ireland

Cybersecurity in Ireland has reached a turning point. No longer seen as the domain of large tech giants or multinational corporations, the risk now cuts across every organisation that handles data, connects to the internet or relies on digital workflows. Yesterday’s event made that reality impossible to ignore.

MTU Bishopstown proved a fitting venue. With its strong ties to cyber research, innovation hubs like the Nimbus Centre, and decades of collaboration with enterprise and government, the campus represents one of Ireland’s most active engines for cybersecurity capability and talent.

A Speaker Line‑Up That Left Its Mark

The event’s strength lay not just in its turnout, but in its diversity of speakers — each offering a unique perspective on the evolving cyber landscape.

Academic Expertise: AI, Quantum Security & Human‑Centred Safety

MTU’s Dr. Hazel Murray opened with a compelling exploration of critical research areas, from AI‑powered cybersecurity to quantum‑era risks and the need for human‑centric approaches. Her session emphasised that cybersecurity is not just a technical problem — it is a societal one.

Protecting Critical Infrastructure & OT Systems

Gary Miles of Fortinet followed with a hard‑hitting look at the vulnerabilities across operational technology (OT) and industrial environments. His examples of real global attacks painted a stark picture of how manufacturing lines, utilities and industrial systems are increasingly targeted.

Threat Intelligence & The Business of Cybercrime

Yaz Bekkar of Barracuda brought attendees inside the modern cybercrime ecosystem — now a multi‑billion‑euro industry with its own hierarchy, financing and customer support models. His explanation of cybercrime “as an organised business” struck a chord.

Ransomware, Backups & Business Continuity

Jenna Vreugdenhil provided pragmatic guidance on surviving ransomware and protecting organisational operations. Her grounded approach helped attendees map out next steps they could take immediately.

A Glimpse Into Garda Cyber Investigations

The Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau shared first‑hand insights into active investigations, victim patterns and reporting processes — an invaluable perspective that made the threat landscape feel very close to home.

The Human Element: Still the Weakest Link

Finishing the speaker line‑up was Johanna Forsen of usecure, whose message was simple but powerful: most breaches begin with human behaviour. Her call for ongoing, risk‑based training resonated strongly across the room.

A Standout 30‑Minute Panel Discussion & Q&A

After the final presentation, all speakers reconvened for a 30‑minute panel discussion and open Q&A — a highlight of the day.

Attendees posed thoughtful, often challenging questions about:

  • AI and automation risks
  • Incident‑response planning
  • NIS2 obligations
  • OT security gaps
  • Staff training expectations
  • Realistic timelines for improving resilience
  • The practicalities of cross‑team cybersecurity ownership

The panel offered a rare opportunity to hear experts respond spontaneously, debate differing viewpoints and provide practical advice tailored to real‑world concerns.
Many attendees later remarked that the insights shared in this session alone were worth the trip.

A Community Taking Cybersecurity Seriously

Beyond the presentations, the atmosphere was one of genuine collaboration. Conversations continued through the networking session, the exhibition stands and the optional guided tour of the Nimbus Research Centre. Attendees exchanged stories, shared concerns, and reflected on how quickly the threat landscape is evolving.

What stood out was not fear, but readiness — a collective recognition that action is needed and that the knowledge gained at the event could be put to work immediately.

Looking Ahead: Limerick Event on the Horizon

On the back of the event’s success, Unitec IT Solutions has confirmed that planning is already underway for the next regional cybersecurity event, this time in Limerick.

Full details will be announced soon, with even greater emphasis on practical security roadmaps, regulatory preparation and cross‑sector collaboration.

For many who attended the Cork event, yesterday marked a turning point. Cybersecurity is no longer something happening “out there” — it is happening here, right now, and organisations across Ireland are stepping up.

And if the honesty of at least one attendee is any indication — “it scared the pants off me” — the message has landed exactly as intended.