Businesses urged to apply for Enterprise Ireland cybersecurity grant

Irish businesses are being encouraged to take advantage of the new cybersecurity grant from Enterprise Ireland, which has been designed to help firms fortify their defences against escalating cyber threats.

The Cybersecurity Review Grant is exclusively available to Enterprise Ireland clients and provides substantial funding for an in-depth cybersecurity assessment.

The assessment allows businesses to identify vulnerabilities, develop mitigation strategies, and ultimately improve their overall security posture.

“Cybersecurity is no longer a choice; it’s a necessity,” said Daniel Garry, director of security at FutureRange.

“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.” 

Garry has outlined six fundamental actions to create a strong foundation for organisational security.

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,” said Garry.

“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.” 

(Pic: Getty Images)