Irish businesses are strongly encouraged to seize the opportunity presented by the newly introduced Enterprise Ireland Cybersecurity Review Grant, specifically designed to fortify their defences against escalating cyber threats. Available exclusively to Enterprise Ireland (EI) clients, this grant offers substantial funding for an in-depth cybersecurity assessment. It equips companies with the insights and tools to enhance their security posture and protect critical assets from the rising wave of cyberattacks.
With cyberattacks becoming increasingly sophisticated, the necessity of a strong and proactive cybersecurity foundation has never been more apparent. Daniel Garry, Director of Security at FutureRange, a leading Irish cybersecurity specialist, stresses the importance of establishing a robust security framework.
“Cybersecurity is no longer a choice; it’s a necessity,” says Daniel Garry. “To remain resilient in today’s digital landscape, businesses must adopt a proactive approach to identifying and managing cyber risks. By leveraging the Enterprise Ireland Cybersecurity Review Grant, businesses can take advantage of a valuable opportunity to strengthen their defences.”
Building a Solid Cybersecurity Foundation: Six Key Actions
Daniel has outlined six fundamental actions that create a strong foundation for organisational security. These actionable steps provide a comprehensive framework for businesses aiming to protect themselves from cyberattacks:
1. Conduct a Cybersecurity Audit
Start by thoroughly assessing your current cybersecurity practices to identify vulnerabilities. This audit should cover all aspects of IT infrastructure, including network security, access controls, and data protection. Understanding weaknesses is the first step to addressing them.
2. Educate and Train Employees
Human error remains one of the most significant cybersecurity risks. Regular training sessions ensure employees understand how to recognise phishing attempts, handle sensitive data, and follow safe online practices.
3. Implement Secure Access Controls
Restrict access to sensitive data and systems based on user roles. Combine strong, unique passwords with two-factor authentication (2FA) to prevent unauthorised access.
4. Keep Systems and Software Updated
Regular updates of software and systems are critical. Patches often include security fixes that protect against vulnerabilities. Automated tools can streamline this process, ensuring no system is left exposed.
5. Develop and Test an Incident Response Plan
A well-defined incident response plan is essential for mitigating the damage caused by cyber incidents. Testing the plan through regular drills ensures all team members are prepared to act swiftly in the event of an attack.
6. Implement a Robust Disaster Recovery Solution
Ensuring your business can recover quickly from a cyberattack is just as important as preventing one. Implementing a robust disaster recovery solution will protect your data and minimise downtime. Regularly test your backup systems to understand how long recovery will take.
“These six critical areas represent the backbone of any effective cybersecurity strategy,” adds Daniel. “By focusing on these, businesses can significantly reduce their risk and be better equipped to deal with potential threats. The Enterprise Ireland grant provides businesses with the resources to implement these essential measures.”
Event
Daniel will speak at an event in collaboration with Bank of Ireland and Leinster Rugby, taking place on Wednesday, 9th October, at Bank of Ireland in Montrose. This special event will give attendees crucial insights into cybersecurity and fraud prevention strategies. The session will feature expert presentations from Daniel Garry and the Bank of Ireland Fraud Team, followed by a leadership and teamwork Q&A with members of the Leinster Rugby Team.
Event Details:
• Date: Wednesday, 9th October
• Time: 8:15 AM – 10:30 AM
• Venue: Bank of Ireland, Montrose, Dublin 4
Spaces are limited, and those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP by emailing events@futurerange.ie
About the Enterprise Ireland Cybersecurity Review Grant
The Enterprise Ireland Cybersecurity Review Grant supports EI clients by covering part of the cost of cybersecurity reviews. This enables businesses to identify vulnerabilities, develop mitigation strategies, and ultimately improve their overall security posture. For more information about the grant, visit Enterprise Ireland Cybersecurity Review Grant.
Ready to Secure Your Business?
Let FutureRange help your organisation build a robust cybersecurity foundation that stands strong against evolving threats. Contact Daniel Garry today to discover how FutureRange’s cutting-edge penetration testing services can fortify your defences.
Email: dgarry@futurerange.ie
Phone: +353 1 296 0560
