Imagine this: over half of Irish workers are bracing for a cybersecurity disaster this year. It’s not just a distant worry—it’s a looming threat that’s keeping employees up at night. According to a recent survey by Landmark Technologies, 52% of Irish employees believe the country is on the brink of a catastrophic cybersecurity incident in 2026. But here’s where it gets even more alarming: 61% think Ireland is less prepared than other European nations to fend off these threats. So, what’s fueling this widespread concern?
The survey, conducted in January 2026 with 1,000 participants, dives deep into the cybersecurity fears and experiences of Irish workers. And this is the part most people miss: artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as the top source of anxiety. A staggering 87% worry about AI-powered phishing attacks that are nearly impossible to detect, while the same percentage fears cybercriminals using AI to pilfer company data. Ransomware attacks (85%), deepfake scams (83%), and personal data breaches (83%) are close behind, painting a picture of a workforce on edge.
Cyberattacks are no longer rare events—they’re becoming a routine part of Irish working life. In the past year alone, 80% of employees faced a cybersecurity incident at work, with 43% enduring multiple attacks. Looking ahead, 50% predict their organization will suffer a data breach in the next 12 months. And here’s the kicker: 61% believe employees themselves remain the biggest security risk, a concern backed by startling admissions. One in eight employees confessed to clicking a malicious link without reporting it, while the same proportion confirmed their organization had confidential data stolen. Even senior leaders aren’t immune—13% of workers reported a top executive falling for a scam, and 12% said an employee stole data upon leaving.
Ken Kelleher, Managing Director of Landmark Technologies, sums it up bluntly: ‘Our research paints a very worrying picture. Irish workers aren’t asking if a major cyber incident will happen—they’re asking when.’ The fact that over half expect a catastrophic event this year should jolt businesses and policymakers into action. But here’s the controversial part: are companies doing enough to educate their employees and fortify their defenses? As AI and other advanced technologies become ubiquitous—used by both defenders and attackers—the need for open dialogue and robust training has never been greater.
So, what do you think? Are Irish businesses prepared for the cyber threats of tomorrow, or are they flying blind? And how much responsibility should employees bear for their organization’s security? Let’s spark a conversation—share your thoughts in the comments below!
