Irish Businesses Lag in AI and Quantum Security Readiness Despite Growing Cyber Threats

Ireland’s Cybersecurity Investment Gap

New research from PwC’s 2026 Global Digital Trust Insights Survey reveals that Irish organizations are falling behind global counterparts in preparing for emerging AI and quantum computing threats. While 57% of Irish businesses are increasing cyber risk management investments, this figure represents a decline from previous years and sits below the current global average of 60%.

Ireland’s Cybersecurity Investment Gap
AI Security Concerns and Irish Hesitation
Quantum Computing: The Looming Threat
Financial Impact and Strategic Shifts
Upskilling as a Strategic Advantage

The comprehensive survey, which gathered responses from 4,000 business and technology executives across 72 countries, indicates a concerning preparedness gap. Less than half of organizations worldwide consider themselves “very capable” of withstanding a major cyberattack, even as advanced technologies create new vulnerability landscapes.

AI Security Concerns and Irish Hesitation

Globally, cybersecurity budgets are increasing with AI as the top priority for 78% of organizations. However, Irish businesses demonstrate significant uncertainty about AI’s defensive value. The survey found that 42% of Irish leaders question AI’s effectiveness for cyber defense, significantly higher than the global average of 34%., according to industry analysis

Leonard McAuliffe, cyber security partner at PwC Ireland, emphasized the shifting priorities: “The survey reveals that cyber priorities are shifting and technologies like AI and quantum computing are reshaping risk. For Irish firms, the message is clear – they recognise the potential of advanced technologies, but many are still finding their footing.”, according to industry experts

Organizations worldwide identified their top AI attack concerns as:

AI-powered malware (62%)
AI-powered supply chain attacks (56%)
Deepfake social engineering (48%)

, according to market developments

Quantum Computing: The Looming Threat

The survey uncovered particularly alarming statistics regarding quantum computing preparedness. Only 8% of Irish organizations are actively implementing quantum-resistant technologies, dramatically lower than the global average of 22%. This is especially concerning given estimates that quantum computing could break current encryption protocols by 2030., according to related coverage

Despite this implementation gap, 67% of Irish firms are either exploring quantum-secure options or piloting the technology, slightly above the global average of 62%. The slow adoption stems from a general lack of understanding around post-quantum risks, limited resources, and competing organizational demands.

Financial Impact and Strategic Shifts

The financial consequences of cyber breaches are substantial globally, with 39% of organizations reporting costs exceeding $500,000. In Ireland specifically, the average cyber ransom cost companies nearly €700,000 last year, with one in three large enterprises admitting to paying at least one ransom.

Moira Cronin, business assurance partner at PwC Ireland, highlighted the regulatory imperative: “Planning ahead is also critical. European regulations like the Digital Operational Resilience Act and the Network and Information Security Directive 2 are reinforcing the need for forward-thinking cyber strategies that embed resilience into the core of the business.”

Upskilling as a Strategic Advantage

Irish organizations demonstrate stronger commitment to security training than their global counterparts. While 50% of global organizations cited lack of knowledge as the top challenge in applying AI for cybersecurity, only 42% of Irish firms reported this issue. Furthermore, 43% of Irish companies plan to prioritize ongoing security training in their cybersecurity spending, significantly higher than the global average of 28%.

Irish businesses are addressing the cyber talent gap through multiple approaches:

Upskilling and reskilling staff at higher rates than global averages
Implementing AI and machine learning tools
Deploying security automation tools
35% planning to recruit third-party cybersecurity services

, as comprehensive coverage

McAuliffe concluded with strategic advice: “This year’s findings show that resilience comes from foresight, not hindsight. Organizations should ensure that they are also investing in AI and cyber skills, prioritising the upskilling and re-skilling of their cyber teams in order to clearly and proactively map the cyber risks they face.”

The data suggests that while Irish businesses recognize emerging threats, converting this awareness into concrete preparedness measures requires accelerated action, particularly regarding AI integration and quantum-resistant technologies.