When businesses think about cybersecurity, it’s easy to picture firewalls, antivirus software, and sophisticated AI-driven tools. Yet despite these advances, the most common entry point for cybercriminals remains the same: people. In 2025, the human factor is still the biggest cybersecurity risk facing Irish organisations.

According to industry research, over 80% of breaches globally involve a human element — whether it’s clicking a malicious link, falling for a phishing email, or mishandling sensitive data. For Irish businesses, this highlights the need to go beyond technology investment and ensure that employee awareness and training are central to every cybersecurity strategy.

Insider Threats: A Growing Cyber Challenge

Not all risks come from external hackers. Insider threats — both malicious and accidental — are on the rise in Ireland and across Europe. These include:

• Malicious insiders: disgruntled employees or contractors who intentionally misuse access.
• Accidental insiders: staff who inadvertently share information, misplace devices, or use weak passwords.

With more organisations adopting hybrid work models, access points have multiplied. Remote working, personal devices, and cloud-based systems have expanded the attack surface, making it easier for mistakes — or malicious actions — to have major consequences.

Phishing and Social Engineering: Smarter Than Ever

Cybercriminals are refining their methods. In 2025, phishing emails and messages are increasingly personalised, often using AI to mimic genuine communication styles. Deepfake technology is also being used to impersonate executives or colleagues, adding another layer of complexity to social engineering attacks.

Even the most cautious employees can be tricked, which is why cybersecurity training in Ireland is becoming a core investment area for businesses across all sectors. Awareness campaigns and simulated phishing tests can reduce the likelihood of a breach significantly, but they must be ongoing to remain effective.

Balancing Technology with Training

Advanced security systems are essential, but without an informed workforce, businesses remain exposed. A balanced approach includes:

• Regular cybersecurity training tailored to different roles.
• Clear policies on password management, device use, and data handling.
• Incident response planning, so employees know what to do if something goes wrong.
• Leadership involvement, ensuring that cybersecurity is a board-level priority rather than solely an IT function.

Organisations that combine strong technical defences with well-trained people are far better positioned to prevent breaches — and to respond effectively when incidents occur.

Why This Matters for Leaders in 2025

For Irish employers, the stakes are high. A successful cyberattack can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory fines under GDPR. Beyond this, it can erode employee and client trust — something far harder to rebuild than a breached system.

The good news is that a strong cybersecurity culture can be built. By prioritising training, awareness, and leadership accountability, organisations in Ireland can significantly reduce risk.

Partnering with Mason Alexander for Cyber Talent

As technology evolves, so too do cyber threats — but people remain the constant link in the chain. In 2025, addressing the human factor in cybersecurity is no longer optional; it’s a business imperative.

Building a strong cybersecurity culture starts with the right people. At Mason Alexander, we help organisations across Ireland and internationally secure the talent they need to lead and strengthen their cyber strategies.

Whether you’re looking for cybersecurity leaders, security engineers, analysts, or specialists in risk and compliance, our team can connect you with professionals who understand the evolving threat landscape and can make a measurable impact.

If you’re ready to strengthen your cyber talent strategy, contact us today.