Dublin City Council is proud to announce the first ever Dublin Tech Week, running from 23-30 May.
In just over a week, Dublin will become the epicentre of global innovation as it welcomes a week-long celebration that promises to energise the city with the brightest ideas, the boldest technology, and a shared vision for the future.
This first-of-its-kind initiative will unite the capital’s top innovators, global tech leaders, creatives, educators, and the wider community through a dynamic mix of over 30 events, spanning everything from AI and cybersecurity to blockchain, smart cities, fintech and beyond.
But this is more than just a calendar of events. Dublin Tech Week is a movement — one that underscores the city’s position as a bold, collaborative, and forward-looking global tech hub.
Ross Curley Head of Economic Development, Dublin City Council & Dublin Regional Place Brand said:“Dublin is one of Europe’s most important tech hubs and a leading smart city. Dublin City Council and the Dublin Brand are proud to support the City’s first ever Tech Week showcasing our world-class talent, cutting-edge innovation, and collaborative spirit. Initiatives like this not only highlight our position as a leader in the tech industry but also inspire future innovation, and strengthen our city’s reputation as a forward-thinking, welcoming and thriving destination for local and global business.”
From flagship conferences like the Dublin Tech Summit at the RDS, Blockchain Ireland Summit at Trinity Business School, Dublin 2 and ETHDublin at Dogpatch Labs, to grassroots meetups, hackathons, and family-friendly discovery trails, the programme is designed to be as accessible as it is ambitious.
Event highlights include Smart Dublin’s ‘The Connective Detective’ – build your own smart city; ‘All We Feel is How it Moves’ – a live audiovisual work driven by real time data at the Hugh Lane Gallery; a session on the Cultural Audit and Culture Near You Map by the Dublin City Council Culture Company and ‘Learn the Art of Lock Picking’ among many others.
Both the tech and wider community can immerse themselves in topics ranging from the future of AI and immersive tech, to ethical hacking, Web3 governance, smart urban planning, and the power of inclusive innovation. Events range from ticketed to free and open to attend/participate in, with booking information provided on the event listing.
All of this is made possible by a powerful coalition of partners and stakeholders across Dublin’s ecosystem, including: Dublin City Council, Smart Dublin, Dublin Chamber, the Dublin City Local Enterprise Office, NovaUCD, the ADAPT Centre at Trinity College, Dogpatch Labs, Guinness Enterprise Centre, Blockchain Ireland, ETH Dublin, TU Dublin, Tech Ireland, and Enterprise Ireland.
Together, they’re helping to build a platform for discovery, investment, talent, and community impact that will reverberate long after the week finishes.
Dublin Tech Week is open to all. Whether you’re a startup founder, developer, policy thinker, educator, student, or simply curious about what the future holds, there’s a place for you in this citywide conversation.
Explore the full programme and get involved atdublintechweek.com Follow the buzz: #DublinTechWeek
Ireland is no small player on the global tech stage, and it continues to punch well above its weight. In a way, it has become the digital frontier of Europe, adopting various innovative tech, from AI-driven analytics and immersive gaming to greener energy and top-of-the-line cybersecurity. Let’s take a look at the most exciting tech trends that are redefining Ireland’s technology landscape in 2025.
Mobile Gaming
Mobile-first has become the new default. Smartphone penetration continues to soar in Ireland, and the mobile gaming sector is riding high on that trend.
The spotlight of this boom is on iGaming right now, with Irish gamers favouring mobile casinos and sportsbooks. Research shows that over 70% of adults play at least one game a year, and a significant portion of them do so online, via mobile. Slick interfaces with intuitive design keep attracting more audiences, while innovations like biometric logins, live betting, and AI-powered odds make the whole experience quick and seamless.
As many players look for more freedom and flexibility, the trend of exploring casinos outside Gamstop leads them to choose offshore platforms with better bonuses, fewer restrictions, and a broader range of games (source: casinos-not-on-gamstop.com).
AI Integration
More than just a buzzword, Ireland has adopted AI as a serious business backbone. Recent stats show that around 15% of enterprises and over 50% of large companies use AI. Recently, the public sector has joined in as well—government departments are already training civil servants in responsible AI usage, as part of the National AI Strategy.
The impact of this technology stretches through many verticals. From customer support to fraud detection, it’s an invaluable tool. In fact, for SMEs, using AI is a competitive differentiator. A survey carried out in 2024 showed that over 30% of Irish SMEs already use AI in some form, while close to half of them plan to expand—using it for sales forecasting, automation, and other methods of turning data into action.
Sustainable Energy
Sustainability has upgraded from being a side project to a proper strategy. Ireland is investing heavily in renewables, and with €7.4 billion saved in fossil fuel imports since 2000, it’s already paying off. Data-driven giants among tech companies are getting increasingly serious about sustainable energy. Cloud providers and data centres are under pressure for their energy consumption, which accounts for over 20% of Ireland’s total electricity use. Irish startups also have an opportunity to jump on the train of smart grid software, carbon analytics, and green innovations.
Cybersecurity
Cyber threats are now a reality rather than a hypothetical danger. In 2024, the National Cyber Security Centre handled 5,200 incident reports, with 721 confirmed cases. When it comes to business security, it’s a daily battle, with an average of 58 cyber incidents every year.
This surge in attacks has led to more investment in cybersecurity. 70% of organisations in Ireland plan to raise their budgets for security in 2025, covering everything from endpoint protection and data encryption to more advanced threat detection systems. More than just a trend, we are seeing cybersecurity become mission-critical for almost everyone.
Cloud Computing
In one year, the number of Irish companies and organisations hosting their infrastructure in the cloud has gone from 15% to 32%. Currently, an additional 33% are actively migrating, choosing cloud over legacy on-prem systems.
Many benefits are driving this rapid shift, from a growing reliance on remote collaboration tools to the need for flexibility and scalability. More agile startups gain the ability to compete with larger enterprises through reduced IT overheads and improved uptime. In 2025, 90% of IT leaders are expected to increase cloud investments, which puts the country in the fast lane of innovation.
VR & AR
Although first introduced in gaming, immersive technology has turned into something more. In Ireland, augmented and virtual reality are now being introduced into real estate, tourism, and even education. You can now take a virtual campus tour, attend an immersive training course, or view AR product previews as part of the mainstream experience.
Of course, gaming is still at the forefront here. VR casinos are also gaining ground, overlaying odds, stats, and live game data to make the activity more engaging and interactive. Shops are introducing gamification methods to deliver more impactful loyalty programmes. The popularity of these aspects is rising, and we can expect even more developers and investors to double down on immersive solutions in the times ahead.
Contemporary cybersecurity methods need visibility and rapid action in addition to firewalls and antivirus software. Log data stands as one of the most essential resources available to an organization’s toolkit. Logs enable security teams to identify irregularities while they trace attacks and uphold industry compliance standards.
Simplifying Compliance with Audit-Ready Records
The importance of compliance in cybersecurity strategies has grown for data-sensitive industries since it is now a fundamental component of these strategies. Detailed logging systems are essential for companies to prove their security measures when complying with HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, or SOX standards. A single platform that combines data collection, storage, and analysis capabilities streamlines processes and boosts response times. Organizations strengthen incident response and compliance tracking with log management, integrating real-time data analysis into their broader security architecture. A successive protective system changes defensive strategy from a reactive approach to proactive measures.
Detecting Threats Earlier Through Real-Time Monitoring
Early identification of cyber threats helps organizations avoid data breaches and reduces business interruptions. Security teams can track live system activities through log management systems, which identify and report suspicious behavior immediately when it happens. Security systems immediately send alerts whenever they detect unrecognized login attempts or access failures. The early warning system minimizes the period between a security breach and the response time, which is an essential element in damage control. Security personnel gain a significant advantage from the swift detection of abnormal patterns regardless of whether the incident stems from internal misuse or external intrusion. Centralizing logs from multiple sources guarantees that organizations detect and address all suspicious activities.
Supporting Incident Response with Detailed Forensics
Logs help organizations through event chronology to present a comprehensive time sequence of system operations, both prior to and subsequent to security breaches. Event details, along with future incident prevention strategies, become impossible to create without a thorough and precise record of all activities. Log management tools support forensic examinations by aggregating logs from multiple devices and network applications. Security analysts utilize logs to understand the actions of attackers and determine their point of entry while evaluating the extent of damage. The insights gained are essential for restoring systems and planning future defense strategies. Immediate retrieval of forensic data reduces system downtime and improves the quality of post-incident reports.
Reducing Alert Fatigue Through Centralized Analysis
SOCS teams are responsible for handling multiple alerts generated by various security tools. When alerts cannot be consolidated, they create major obstacles to distinguishing true threats from false positives. Log management systems address this problem by collecting all data into a centralized location where correlation rules help eliminate unnecessary noise. Security analysts receive actionable insights that allow them to work uninterrupted by disconnected alerts. Organizations that optimize their response process will experience less alert fatigue while enhancing their response quality and speed. Security teams can prioritize legitimate threats and emerging risks by staying focused and avoiding unnecessary or duplicate alerts.
Providing Context for Endpoint and Network Activity
Context is critical when investigating security events. Determining the authenticity of online login attempts requires validation to distinguish between legitimate users and brute-force attacks. Before proceeding with the system update, administrators must verify the software’s legitimate status to prevent potential malware impersonation. By linking system data points, log management software enables analysts to gain environmental understanding for enhanced decision-making capabilities. Investigators gain a complete understanding of possible security events by examining endpoint logs together with server and network appliance data. Analyzing system interactions during an event enables teams to identify vulnerabilities and create improved defensive approaches. Detailed context removes ambiguity and enables analysts to achieve accurate conclusions in less time.
Enabling Proactive Security Through Trend Analysis
Security extends beyond incident reaction to include threat anticipation. By monitoring organizational behavior over time, log management systems enable organizations to spot developing trends that can act as early warnings of potential threats. An increase in failed login attempts, along with repeated attempts from one IP address, may suggest that an attack is about to occur. Pattern analysis enables businesses to determine where to reinforce security measures or revise organizational policies effectively. The proactive strategy boosts organizational preparedness while lowering the chances of attack success. Long-term planning benefits from trend data since it reveals persistent risk areas and unusual patterns in user behavior.
Effective cybersecurity strategies must integrate log management software as a core component. Organizations gain the ability to discover threats early, respond to security incidents with confidence, and keep regulatory compliance straightforward. Through the process of consolidating and examining their log data, organizations achieve better visibility and extract valuable insights that strengthen their security measures. Integrated log management transforms complex data into clear security benefits regardless of whether you’re addressing a breach or preventing one.
Ekco, one of Europe’s leading security-first managed service providers (MSP), has today launched Cyber Defence Complete in Ireland – an all-in-one cybersecurity service that gives small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) enterprise-grade cybersecurity protection without complexity.
The number of attempted and successful cyberattacks is ever increasing and SMBs are attractive targets for attackers as, unlike larger organisations, they often lack the resources to recruit specialist in-house 24-7 cybersecurity teams. Cyber Defence Complete from Ekco integrates essential security coverage from leading vendors including Microsoft, CrowdStrike, and Recorded Future into a unified, streamlined solution.
Built on CREST-accredited methodologies, it equips SMBs with comprehensive defensive capabilities – from visibility and detection to active defence – without requiring significant infrastructure changes. By simplifying cybersecurity complexity and uncertainty, Cyber Defence Complete provides businesses with a proactive advantage against threats, along with seamless access to world-class technologies and expert guidance in one cohesive service.
Ekco’s Cyber Defence Complete package includes 24×7×365 Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) monitoring, incident response, threat intelligence, and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), ensuring SMBs are protected around the clock and offering peace of mind. It will be offered through flexible, tiered models designed to scale with businesses as they grow and mature.
Lee Driver, Director of Cybersecurity at Ekco, said: “Small and medium-sized businesses face diverse cybersecurity challenges, and in today’s threat landscape, fast, decisive action is critical. This is why we’ve launched Cyber Defence Complete – a comprehensive solution that removes uncertainty and complexity from cybersecurity for SMBs. Right from the outset, our package establishes a robust defensive foundation, encompassing threat detection, active monitoring, rapid incident response, and mitigation capabilities.
“Our flexible, tiered approach ensures businesses receive exactly the level of protection they need, scaling seamlessly as they expand and mature. With Cyber Defence Complete, we’re committed to levelling the cybersecurity playing field, empowering SMBs with enterprise-grade defence underpinned by expert support, so they can confidently focus on growing their businesses without the fear of cyber threats.”
Cyber Defence Complete is available in two tailored packages to meet diverse business needs:
Standard: Offers a comprehensive suite of defensive capabilities, enabling businesses to adopt a proactive stance against cyber threats.
Premium: Includes all features of the Standard package, with additional enhancements aimed at achieving robust cyber resilience.
This tiered approach ensures that SMBs can access enterprise-grade security solutions that align with their growth stage and budget, providing cost-effective access to world-class security expertise without the need for significant in-house investment.
To learn more about Ekco’s new Cyber Defence Complete, please visit here.
Four in ten (40%) Irish businesses have suffered at least one cyber-attack in the last five years, with companies facing financial loss as a result.
Research from insurance broker and risk management company Gallagher in Ireland has revealed that more than one in eight (88%) Irish businesses have suffered financial loss and commercial disruption due to a cyber-attack in the last five years.
Gallagher commissioned a survey of 300 business decision makers across the UK & Ireland, 100 of whom are based in Ireland.
Businesses that have experienced a cyber-attack in the last five years reported additional consequences as a result including:
Laura Vickers, Director, Gallagher in Ireland spoke of the findings,
“Given what we can see from the widespread impact of cybercrime, it is unsurprising that almost every Irish business leader we asked (93pc) said they are concerned about the rise in cyber-crime and the potential impact it could have on their company”.
The Top 3 in Corporate Cybercrime
Cyber extortion, whereby cyber criminals threaten to harm a business or steal sensitive information unless a sum of money is paid, was the most common type of attack carried out on Irish businesses, with 37% saying they had been targeted.
Phishing attacks, where individuals are tricked into following a malicious link or downloading an infected email attachment, was the second most common attack with 31% suffering this type of incident in the last five years.
Followed by what is termed “Man-in-the-Middle (MiTM) attacks”, where the perpetrator intercepts and alters communication between two parties without their knowledge – 23pc of business leaders said their organisation had fallen foul of this.
In Ireland the Gallagher report reveals that large businesses, those with annual turnover exceeding £10m, have been particularly vulnerable, with 57% experiencing cyber-attacks during this period. Mid-sized companies also show substantial exposure, with 39% reporting attacks. Comparatively, smaller businesses have been less frequently targeted, with only 9% experiencing attacks.
Prepare and Respond
Despite the increasing risk of cyber-attacks, 90% of Irish business leaders express confidence in their ability to recover quickly. This optimism may stem from the fact that 94% of businesses have a cyber insurance policy, with 89% confirming their coverage includes risk management, including vulnerability scans and threat monitoring,to mitigate potential threats.
However, the Gallagher survey also highlights areas of concern within Irish business
Just 39% of companies provide cybersecurity training for staff, leaving many employees susceptible to phishing and malware attacks.
Only 41% conduct regular system vulnerability scans, increasing the risk of undetected weaknesses being exploited by cybercriminals.
Less than half (48%) have multifactor authentication (MFA) in place for remote workers, potentially exposing their systems to unauthorized access.
Only 42% of business decision-makers are aware that reporting a cyber-attack to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is a legal requirement. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to €10 million or 2% of global turnover.
Ms. Vickers went on to comment,
“While it’s encouraging to see businesses investing in cyber insurance and risk management, security measures must go beyond just financial protection. Many businesses are still vulnerable due to gaps in employee training, system monitoring, and access controls. Cyber threats are evolving rapidly, and companies that fail to strengthen their security posture risk serious financial and reputational damage.
Equally concerning is the lack of awareness around reporting obligations. Failure to report an attack could lead to significant fines, compounding the financial losses from a breach. Businesses must take a proactive approach, not just in purchasing insurance, but in implementing robust cybersecurity practices and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.”
Cybersecurity is ever-evolving. With technology advancing, so does the threat of hackers, and it is critical that organizations remain ahead. Hackers constantly uncover new methods of penetrating vulnerabilities, and businesses must be agile to protect sensitive information, systems, and infrastructure.
So, to help organizations reinforce their defenses, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released version 2.0 of the Cybersecurity Framework (CSF). Version 2.0 introduces improvements that enable enterprises to enhance their security, meet requirements, and manage risks more effectively.
Cybersecurity professionals must be familiar with NIST CSF 2.0. The revision includes significant changes that impact how companies approach cybersecurity, from supply chain security and governance to more implementation guidance.
Whether your business is a multinational or local company, these updates provide helpful information for improving security. This article looks at the six most essential changes in NIST CSF 2.0.
1. Expanded Scope Beyond Critical Infrastructure
When NIST CSF was first released, it aimed at critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, transportation, and healthcare. They were classified as at high risk for cyberattacks, so cybersecurity was a priority.
However, since threats in cyberspace have evolved, it has become clear that all enterprises across any industry segment and size confront serious security threats. CSF 2.0 expands the scope from critical infrastructure to address this, calling all enterprises in all industries to adopt its standards.
This broader application means that companies that once thought the framework did not apply now have a systematic and tried-and-tested method for enhancing cybersecurity. Whether your company is a small startup with customer information, a medium-sized business with financial transactions, or a multinational organization with sophisticated networks, NIST CSF 2.0 gives your organization specific guidance that can be applied to strengthen your defenses.
2. New Govern Function Added
The most significant change in NIST CSF 2.0 is the introducing of a sixth function: “Govern.” The framework was initially defined around five core functions—Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover—focused principally on operational security controls.
So, with ever more advanced cybersecurity threats, organizations need more than technological defenses alone. They need effective leadership, good policies, and sound decision-making. The governance function was added to satisfy these needs and enable cybersecurity at the highest organizational level.
This new position places cybersecurity in the hands of business leaders, executives, and decision-makers, not in IT teams’ exclusive control. It focuses more on risk management, accountability, and alignment with business objectives so that planning for security is not something apart but is fully included in a company’s overall business.
By concentrating on governance, CSF 2.0 encourages proactive, as opposed to reactive, organizational behavior, reducing the likelihood of breaches and increasing long-term resilience. With this addition, cybersecurity is now firmly established as a core business priority, as opposed to being the exclusive concern of IT.
3. Stronger Focus on Supply Chain Security
Cyberattacks now go beyond directly attacking enterprises—oftentimes, they hit weaknesses in third-party suppliers, service providers, and vendors. A compromised partner can have a ripple effect, compromising an entire network. In response to this growing threat, NIST CSF 2.0 focuses much more on supply chain security, forcing enterprises to take a more formal and proactive approach.
With this update, firms should be able to identify prospective threats in their supply chain, establish definite cybersecurity standards for their suppliers, and monitor third-party security procedures regularly. This is especially vital for highly outsourced industries, as hackers target more minor, less secure suppliers to penetrate larger entities.
4. Improved Alignment with Other Frameworks
Various organizations with many security frameworks exist, such as ISO 27001, CIS Controls, and COBIT. Compliance with many such frameworks is cumbersome, but NIST CSF 2.0 makes aligning with them more directly easier.
Also, this increased alignment allows organizations to integrate CSF 2.0 with existing security programs without unnecessary duplication. If your organization is already implementing another security framework, adopting CSF 2.0 will supplement what you’re doing and won’t add additional work. This transition is especially valuable for companies that must comply with numerous regulatory requirements as it provides one unified method for cybersecurity.
5. More Guidance for Implementation
One of the most intimidating challenges with cybersecurity frameworks is knowing how to use them. NIST CSF 2.0 addresses this challenge by being more prescriptive in guidance and using real-world examples. Businesses now get more detailed descriptions of security, more concrete guidance for deploying the framework, and more examples showing how companies can improve their security.
Therefore, this transparency increases the usability of CSF 2.0, even for companies that do not possess in-depth cybersecurity expertise. Instead of listing general principles, the framework lists specific actions companies can take. This update provides a template for securing themselves without guesswork for companies that do not possess implementation skills.
6. Emphasis on Continuous Improvement
Cybersecurity is never a one-time activity—it is an ongoing process. NIST CSF 2.0 reinforces this idea by emphasizing continuous improvement. Companies should regularly update their security, monitor emerging threats, and modify their methods in reaction to new risks.
This adjustment recognizes that cyber threats never stop changing. Yesterday’s solution is not today’s solution. With a culture of continuous improvement, companies can stay proactive against emerging means of attack and limit their exposure to breaches. CSF 2.0 allows companies to establish a dynamic security program that adapts and does not remain static and ineffective.
Final Thoughts
The release of NIST CSF 2.0 is a significant leap forward in cybersecurity. With more scope, a new “Govern” function, increased supply chain security, better framework alignment, more guidance, and a focus on continuous improvement, this update benefits all organization sizes in strengthening their defenses.
If you work in cybersecurity, now is the time to adopt NIST CSF 2.0. It can protect your organization, meet compliance, and stay ahead in today’s ever-changing threat landscape.
Today, if there is one thing that challenges privacy, it is website tracking, targeted ads, and, to an extent, the threat of data breach.
One solution to all of these problems is using residential proxies. They protect the digital identity and also provide you more control over the online presence.
This article details what residential proxies are, how they work, and why you need to take them seriously in today’s digital world and the privacy and security battle.
What Are Residential Proxies?
A residential proxy is a server that hides your internet activity using a real home IP address. These are regular ISPs, making websites assume you are a normal home user.
Unlike data center proxies, residential IPs are rarely blocked because they appear like normal people. Websites trust them more. You have the option to rent IP addresses which makes it easier to navigate localized content without triggering security red flags. These dedicated connections provide a layer of authenticity that helps maintain consistent access to restricted web environments.
It works because your web request first goes to a proxy server that gives you a residential IP. It covers up your actual location so that the websites you visit can’t identify your real location.
You can learn more about residential proxies and their privacy-boosting benefits. Learn about detailed resources to take full advantage of them.
Main Features of Residential Proxies
Some important features make residential proxies effective in protecting online privacy and security:
1. Authenticity
They use real IP addresses from ISPs, which makes them ordinary users. This prevents website and anti-bot detection and blocking.
2. Geo-targeting
Users can choose between IPs from specific locations to browse region-restricted content in streaming services or to run location-based studies in the playground market.
3. Enhanced Privacy
Residential proxies mask your real IP address so that when you visit a website, the website cannot trace what you are doing to your real physical location.
Benefits of Using Residential Proxies
If you’re looking to improve our online privacy, here are four huge bangs that residential proxies can provide to you:
1. Improved Anonymity
These proxies use genuine residential IP addresses that blend with common internet traffic. This increases the proxies’ degree of anonymity. Since your connection looks like it also has a regular home user connection, websites become quite hard to identify or even block you with this method.
2. Bypassing Geo-restrictions
You can access region-restricted content and services through IPs from certain locations. This is helpful when you are required to see some streaming platforms and sites accessible only in specific nations.
3. Enhanced Security
Residential proxies provide more security concerning your internet usage as they hide your IP address from the server, therefore acting as a connection between your device and the internet for security purposes. It is harder for cybercriminals to target you directly because of this thing.
Popular Ways to Use Residential Proxies
Due to its unique benefits, residential proxies have become necessary tools for many online activities. People use them in these main ways:
1. Web Scraping and Data Collection
Residential proxies help you overcome anti-scraping measures by rotating IPs. This makes them perfect for:
Keeping competitive pricing through price monitoring in different regions.
Data gathering through research about trends and competitors’ offerings in the market
SEO analysis to ensure search rankings from various locations
2. Ad Verification and Brand Protection
Residential proxies are being relied on by advertisers to:
Intercept ads to make sure they’re displayed where they are meant to be shown.
Prevent wastage of ad spending on click fraud
Watch online for counterfeit products or misuse
3. E-commerce Operations
Residential proxies are beneficial for online sellers when:
Having multiple seller accounts on Amazon platforms
Accessing region-specific pricing information
Proving that promotions look differently to customers in different markets
4. Cybersecurity
These proxies are also helpful for those security applications.
Masking real IP addresses for data protection purposes.
This will help in reducing exposure to tracking and targeted ads.
Gathering threat intelligence anonymously
Testing system vulnerabilities through simulated attacks from different locations
Residential vs. Datacenter Proxies: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between residential and datacenter proxies is where their IP addresses come from:
Residential Proxies use IPs from real household devices assigned by Internet Service Providers. This makes them:
Harder to detect by websites
Better for bypassing anti-bot systems
More expensive
Sometimes slower
More reliable for accessing complex sites
Datacenter Proxies use IPs from data centers and cloud servers. They offer:
Faster connection speeds
Lower costs
There is a higher risk of being blocked
Less geo-targeting options
Better performance for simple tasks
Choose residential proxies when you need anonymity and access to protected sites, especially for social media management or ad verification.
Datacenter proxies work better for speed-sensitive tasks like basic web scraping or SEO monitoring, where detection risk is lower.
Things to Think About Before Using Proxies
Before diving into residential proxies, the following should be considered:
1. Cost Considerations
Datacenter proxies tend to cost less than residential proxies. This higher price is due to how these IPs are purchased and maintained. Scarcity and complexity make real residential IPs more expensive to manage. Sometimes, this price difference can be very significant if you need proxies or have a specified budget.
2. Ethical Usage
Using proxies responsibly matters. Read through the website’s terms of service and privacy regulations. Do not violate them. Some activities to avoid include:
Unauthorized web scraping
Identity theft
Cyberstalking
Online abuse or harassment
However, these activities are both ethically and legally wrong.
3. Provider Selection
Find proxy providers that get their IPs legally and with users’ consent. Be wary of any free or cheap-sounding proxies, and they may:
Log your data
Inject malware
Have security vulnerabilities
Using a proxy that is a reputable provider will mean that using this proxy is ethical and secure.
Conclusion
There is no denying that residential proxies are powerful resources to protect your digital identity. It uses real IP addresses to keep you anonymous and get past firewalls online.
These days, with so many data breaches every day, masking your location is a good extra protection.
The proxies are used for research purposes to learn about the market and protect their brands; meanwhile, individuals can access geo-restricted content.
Residential Proxies are another item to be included in your privacy toolbox. The cost is a small price to pay for knowing these people are there if needed in our increasingly digitally connected world.
Kyndryl the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider, today published new research highlighting escalating threats from cyberattacks and scams to Irish households. The findings offer an in-depth perspective on cybersecurity readiness, habits and vulnerabilities among individuals in Ireland, highlighting a lack of basic cybersecurity precautions and awareness, which include:
One in five (20%) respondents reported directly experiencing a cyberattack or online fraud in the past year.
An additional 15% reported attacks within their household. In total, more than one in three (36%) Irish households have experienced cybercrime over the last 12 months.
Almost half (48%) of respondents reuse the same password across multiple sites.
More than a quarter (26%) acknowledge using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like banking and online shopping, exposing themselves to attacks.
“While businesses are grappling with the complexities of maintaining future-ready IT infrastructure, as highlighted in our recent Kyndryl Readiness Report, the same principles apply to consumers: effective cybersecurity starts with people,” said Chris Davis, Managing Director, Kyndryl Ireland. “Cybersecurity readiness isn’t just about having the latest tools – it’s about fostering awareness and proactive behaviours among individuals. Increasing public awareness and education is crucial to help individuals protect themselves in an ever-evolving digital environment. At Kyndryl, we believe that a collaborative effort involving government, businesses, and educational institutions is essential to fostering a more secure digital society, and we’re committed to supporting that mission.”
The new research was conducted by 3Gem Research and Insights and builds on findings of organizational readiness that Kyndryl recently published in its inaugural Readiness Report.
Cyber threat concerns are pervasive
Cybersecurity worries are widespread, with 73% of respondents most concerned about personal devices being hacked, such as smartphones and laptops. The second biggest concern is online scams (68%), followed by identity theft (58%). Nearly half (48%) fear sensitive information being leaked through data breaches, while 28% express anxiety over ransomware attacks.
Young adults most at risk of cyber fraud
Almost one in five (21%) individuals experienced a cyberattack or online fraud attempt in the last year, with an additional 15% reporting that a household member had been targeted.
Young adults, particularly those aged 25-34, appear to be the most vulnerable, with 29% having been directly targeted by cybercriminals. This figure drops to 19% for those aged 45-54, and just 11% for individuals aged 65 and above.
Poor password practices still prevalent
Password reuse remains a major security risk, with 48% of respondents stating they use the same password across multiple accounts – a habit that significantly increases vulnerability to cyberattacks. This risky behaviour is most prevalent among 18-24 year-olds (57%), compared to 36% of those aged 65+.
Alarmingly, 41% of respondents say they rely on memory to store their passwords, making it less likely they use strong, complex alphanumeric combinations. Reliance on memory increases with age, from 37% of 18-24 year-olds to 50% of 55-64 year-olds.
Only 24% of respondents use a password manager, considered one of the safest ways to store and generate strong passwords. Meanwhile, 17% write their passwords on paper, 12% rely on browser auto-fill, and 4% admit to using the same password for all accounts.
Risky online behaviour still common
Risky online practices remain widespread, with 26% of respondents admitting to using public Wi-Fi for online banking or shopping – leaving them exposed to potential attacks. This behaviour is particularly prevalent among younger age groups, with 41% of 18-24 year olds and 35% of 25-34 year olds engaging in this high-risk activity.
Additionally, 18% of respondents opt out of using Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), a highly effective method for securing online accounts. Among younger respondents, the figure rises to 23% of 18-24 year olds and 24% of 35-44 year olds.
Consumers have little tolerance for data breaches
Consumers expect high standards of data protection from service providers. If a breach occurred, 74% of respondents said they would be likely to stop using a financial service, such as a bank or insurance provider, while 75% would do the same for social media platforms like TikTok or Instagram.
Slightly more lenient attitudes were noted for other services: 70% would be likely to stop using a retailer, 69% an email provider, and 64% a gaming service following a breach.
Public is divided on responsibility for cybersecurity education
When asked who should take the lead in educating the public about cybersecurity, 35% of respondents believed that this was the responsibility of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the body formally responsible for Ireland’s cybersecurity. Schools were the second-most popular choice, with 19% believing they should bear primary responsibility.
Meanwhile, only 12% of respondents feel employers should play a leading role, and just 7% believe universities should be primarily responsible for cybersecurity education.
Qualcom, a leading Irish provider of IT and cybersecurity services, today announces that it expects to grow its revenues from €13.5 million to €18 million in the next three years. This represents approximately 10% year-on-year growth for the business by the end of 2027.
Within this timeframe, the company will increase its employee numbers by 20% across its information security, professional services, and support desk teams. Qualcom currently has a team of 70 people across its locations in Dublin and Belfast.
As well as organic growth of the business and team, the IT and cybersecurity services provider is open to accelerating this growth through acquisitions. Target companies would be similar to Qualcom in terms of services and culture.
Over the next three years, Qualcom expects to see the biggest growth in cybersecurity services, managed IT services, compliance, and round-the-clock IT support. This demand is being driven by the changing cyber risk landscape, advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), and expanding attack surfaces.
Qualcom is also seeing heightened demand from customers for support around standards such as ISO 20007, as businesses increasingly look to secure their supply chains in response to growing cyber threats. To meet this need, the team is rolling out a number of new cybersecurity and managed services.
As a result of this expanded offering, Qualcom forecasts that it will also grow its customer base by more than 25% by 2027. This will include organisations spanning a broad range of industries and across the island of Ireland, with a particular focus on the retail sector in Northern Ireland.
This expected growth follows on from the company recently achieving a Microsoft designation in Azure Infrastructure. In fact, it was just one of a select number of Microsoft partners in Ireland to receive this designation, which adds to its existing Microsoft Modern Work SME and Enterprise designations.
Ken Ryan, Managing Director, Qualcom: “We live and work in an increasingly connected world, so the demand for comprehensive managed IT and cybersecurity capabilities will only increase in the years to come. That’s not to mention the pressure on organisations to be compliant with changing legislation and regulations.
“To meet these evolving needs, we are scaling our operations. As well as expanding the team and adding to our portfolio, we are keeping an eye out for possible acquisitions. This ambitious growth plan will further strengthen the support we provide – enabling us to deliver ultra-secure services that give customers peace of mind and drive innovation, not just today but for the future.”
