Tag: #network

open eir Marks Major Milestone 1.5 millionGain Access to Full Fibre

open eir, Ireland’s largest wholesale telecommunications provider, today announced it has passed 1.5 million homes and businesses with its fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) broadband network, a significant milestone in expanding the nation’s premier full-fibre infrastructure.
This landmark means that more than 4 million people across Ireland can access ultrafast full fibre connectivity, cementing Ireland’s status as one of Europe’s most digitally connected nations.
More than 54,000 kilometres of fibre has now been laid by open eir, linking urban centres, villages and remote communities, underscoring the company’s long-term commitment a digitally empowered Ireland. Backed by eir’s €2 billion multiyear investment in fibre and 5G, this rollout ensures the country’s networks keep pace with the evolving needs of citizens, businesses and public services.
When open eir completes its fibre rollout, the largest broadband build ever undertaken in Ireland, alongside National Broadband Ireland’s delivery to remaining rural areas, Ireland will achieve truly ubiquitous fibre connectivity. This nationwide infrastructure is a cornerstone of economic competitiveness, regional development and public service delivery, ensuring every community can participate fully in the digital economy.
Patrick O’Donovan, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport commented on the announcement: “This is a major milestone for Ireland and a clear sign of the progress we are making in building a truly connected country. Passing 1.5 million homes and businesses with full fibre means more people, in every part of Ireland, can access fast, reliable connectivity that is now essential for work, education and daily life. Crucially this is about more than speed, it’s about opportunity. It supports regional development, enables remote working, and ensures our communities can compete and thrive.”
Oliver Loomes, CEO of eir, said: “Passing 1.5 million homes and businesses with full fibre is a hugely significant moment for eir and reflects years of sustained investment in Ireland’s digital future. This network is already transforming how people work, learn and do business, providing the reliability, speed and resilience that modern life demands.
Crucially, this milestone is a testament to the dedication and skill of our teams across the country, who have delivered one of the most ambitious fibre builds in Europe. Their commitment has created lasting infrastructure that will serve Ireland’s communities and economy for decades to come.”
Maeve O’Malley, Managing Director of open eir Wholesale, said: “We are delighted to have delivered our fibre to the home network to 1.5 million homes and businesses. This is Ireland’s largest full fibre network and today marks a defining moment for open eir and Ireland’s digital landscape, powered by our €2bn investment into future proofed networks. Our engineers’ skill and drive have made this possible, fuelling a forward-looking network and future ready infrastructure. With rising fibre adoption, we’re delivering the dependable, high-speed access essential for working, studying or trading from any corner of Ireland.
“Fibre is faster, more resilient and more energy efficient, and it is central to Ireland’s climate and digital ambitions. By combining our nationwide fibre rollout with 99% 5G population coverage, we are building a platform for innovation, productivity and regional development that will benefit communities for decades to come.”
Delivering up to 5 Gigabit (5Gbps) speeds to all wholesale partners, open eir’s FTTH network sets the standard for performance and dependability across homes and workplaces. Outperforming ageing technologies with superior speeds, minimal latency and top-tier uptime, fibre also cuts energy use and servicing costs. 30 retail providers on the open eir network give Irish consumers abundant choices in plans and suppliers, spurring affordability, rivalry and fresh offerings in broadband.
The importance of this rollout is underscored by findings from the eir Digital Ireland Report 2025, which show data traffic on eir’s fibre network has grown exponentially since 2019 as households and businesses increasingly rely on digital services for work, education and commerce. Delivering a fibre‑first Ireland, aligned with national and EU Digital Decade goals, will provide the resilient, future‑proofed connectivity required to support enterprise growth, remote working and emerging technologies such as AI and the Internet of Things.

Virgin Media to lead internet speeds in Ireland at the end of Q1 2026.

SpeedGeo, the platform that measures network quality, has prepared a report on internet speeds in Ireland at the end of Q1 2026 (for the last 12 months). The results confirm the trend from last year: the clear leader in the fixed internet category is Virgin Media (287.5 Mbps).

The rankings are based on user tests of V-Speed, the operator of the SpeedGeo platform (e.g. in the web application for browsers, application for Android). The analysis is based on 77,000 tests carried out in the networks of fixed and mobile operators via WiFi routers (Fixed Wirelles). Test results are rigorously verified for abuse, and operators with a minimum of 3 per cent of the total test volume are included in the rankings.in web application for Android

The average broadband speed in Ireland during the period under review was 174.3 Mbps, a significant increase (+14%) compared to the 2025 year-end table (152.5 Mbps). Virgin Media was the clear leader of the ranking (287.5 Mbps) ahead of Eir and Sky. Virgin Media also delivered the fastest upload (62.3 Mbps) with a small lead over its rivals. The average broadband latency in Ireland is around 30 ms, with the three leaders, however, offering significantly lower latency at around 20 ms.

Table. Broadband quality of leading operators in Ireland in 2025/1Q 2026.

Internet Provider Download (Mbps) Upload (Mbps) Latency (ms)
Virgin Media 287.5 62.3 20
Eir 204.7 58.2 21
Sky 186.6 53.8 19
All ISPs 174.3 57.1 30.5

Test distribution and quarterly results of the three fastest providers.

For more information on the quality of the internet in Ireland, click here.

 

Lidl and 1GLOBAL: Shaping the Future of Mobile Connectivity Together

1GLOBAL, a pioneer in global telecommunications solutions, and the companies of the Schwarz Group, one of the world’s largest retail groups, are entering into a comprehensive strategic partnership. To this end, the companies of the Schwarz Group are acquiring a 9.9 percent stake in 1GLOBAL. The company will serve as the exclusive technology partner for mobile connectivity for the next five years. This comes off the back that Lidl is entering the mobile market and if it will reach Ireland we yet have to find out we do know though it will be launching in the UK

“Lidl is the partner that shares our vision: We want to make mobile communications as intuitive, flexible, and digital as possible for millions of people” – Hakan Koç, founder and CEO of 1GLOBAL.

Against this background, 1GLOBAL and Lidl, one of Europe’s leading food retailers, will drive the digital transformation in the telecommunications market. With the help of Lidl Connect and Lidl Plus, the two companies will jointly introduce national connectivity services in Lidl’s markets.

Partnership Enables New Telecommunications Offerings from Lidl

Together with 1GLOBAL, Lidl is addressing a key need among telecommunications users: easily accessible, flexible, and affordable connectivity of the highest quality without long-term contract commitments. The solution and core of the partnership: Lidl will become a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) itself, enabling it to offer mobile services to its customers independently. In collaboration with 1GLOBAL, Lidl will enter into partnerships with local mobile network operators to respond flexibly to local requirements.

Together, 1GLOBAL and Lidl are transforming the industry and expanding the overall telecommunications market: established network operators benefit as partners from Lidl’s reach, growth, and higher utilization, while Lidl handles customer acquisition and service. As a fully regulated telecommunications provider, 1GLOBAL supplies the technical platform as well as telecommunications licenses and partnerships with mobile network operators in twelve countries, which are expected to expand to over 30 countries in the future.

In addition, the strategic partnership includes the development of innovative telco solutions on STACKIT, the Schwarz Group’s cloud solution. Data sovereignty, particularly regarding the secure handling of customer data, is a top priority here.

Hakan Koç, founder and CEO of 1GLOBAL, explains: “Lidl is the partner that shares our vision: We want to make mobile communications as intuitive, flexible, and digital as possible for millions of people. Our technology focuses on digital offerings tailored to the needs of users and their various devices. We want to successfully drive the technological transformation of the global telecommunications market in the best interests of people.”

Julian Beer, Executive Vice President of Purchasing at Lidl International: “We are democratizing mobile communications. Simple, affordable, and of the highest quality. We are very much looking forward to collaborating with 1GLOBAL. This partnership enables us to become active as an MVNO ourselves. In doing so, we are setting new standards and making affordable mobile communications easier than ever for our customers. By integrating state-of-the-art technology, we can meet the needs of millions of customers for uncomplicated connectivity for their devices. Thanks to our reach of well over 12,000 stores and more than 100 million customers in our Lidl Plus loyalty app, we are creating an attractive platform for established telecommunications companies.

Synergy of customer and market advantages

Lidl has been offering prepaid mobile plans through Lidl Connect since 2015. As part of the collaboration with 1GLOBAL, Lidl Plus, Lidl’s digital customer card, will also play a central role. Lidl Plus is available in all European Lidl countries. For millions of people, Lidl is a trusted partner in everyday life. In the future, this will also include an affordable, high-quality mobile phone plan without long-term contracts, as well as the ability to easily manage their services via the Lidl Plus app.

“With this step, we are consistently evolving our loyalty app into a lifestyle companion for our customers and, with affordable connectivity, creating an offering that is relevant for the entire family. We are integrating this seamlessly with our core business,” says Julian Beer.

Surviving the Age of Cyberattacks: What Businesses Can Do

Organizations faced an average of 1,876 cyberattacks per quarter in 2024, a 75% increase year over year. The pressure on businesses and their IT teams keeps growing. And small businesses are not exempt. Over 60% rank cyber threats among their top concerns, and nearly 67% of small businesses that experienced a cyber attack reported financial difficulties within six months.

Cyber threats are constant and they are getting worse. This guide covers the most common threats businesses face today and the concrete steps you should take to protect your data, systems, and operations.

Common Cyberthreats Faced by Businesses

Businesses have always been targets for cybercriminals. The integration of artificial intelligence into attack methods has made those attacks faster, more targeted, and harder to detect. Understanding what you are up against is the first step toward building a defense that holds.

Ransomware

Ransomware encrypts your files and locks you out of your own systems. Attackers demand payment to restore access. The average ransomware attack costs businesses over $1.85 million when you account for downtime, recovery, and lost revenue, according to Sophos research. Even businesses that recover their data without paying face weeks of disruption. Ransomware groups target organizations of all sizes because smaller businesses tend to have weaker defenses and fewer resources to respond.

Phishing Attacks

Phishing is one of the most common entry points attackers use. Criminals send fraudulent emails or messages designed to trick your employees into handing over passwords, credentials, or financial details. One successful phishing email gives an attacker access to your entire network.

Generative AI has made this threat significantly worse. Criminals now produce convincing phishing emails, deepfake audio, and synthetic video at scale. The quality of fake messages has improved to the point where trained employees still get fooled. IBM reports that phishing is involved in over 40% of all data breaches.

Bad Bots

Bad bots are automated programs built to attack websites, mobile apps, and APIs. A common tactic is credential stuffing, where bots use stolen username-and-password pairs to break into accounts automatically. Because people reuse passwords across services, one leaked credential list gives attackers access to thousands of accounts.

Criminals also use bots to launch Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks, flooding your network or website with traffic until it goes down. For any business that depends on its online presence, even a few hours of downtime causes real financial and reputational damage.

Insider Threats

Threats do not always come from outside. Employees and contractors cause harm too, both intentionally and by accident. An employee who clicks a malicious link, misconfigures a server, or improperly shares data creates the same damage as an external attacker. The Ponemon Institute estimates that insider-related incidents cost businesses an average of $15.4 million per year. These threats are difficult to detect because the activity looks like normal business behavior.

Supply Chain Attacks

Criminals compromise a trusted vendor or software provider to gain indirect access to their actual targets. Your own security posture does not matter if one of your suppliers is the weak point. The 2020 SolarWinds attack demonstrated the scale of this risk: a single compromised software update affected over 18,000 organizations, including multiple US government agencies. A single compromised vendor has the potential to affect hundreds of downstream businesses simultaneously.

Best Practices to Protect Sensitive Data and Information

You do not need an unlimited budget to defend your business. You need consistency, layered defenses, and a workforce that knows what to look for. The following practices address the most common vulnerabilities attackers exploit.

Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication

Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for every user account and company application. A stolen password alone will not give an attacker access. Options include fingerprint or facial recognition, authenticator apps, and hardware security keys. Microsoft reports that MFA blocks over 99% of automated account attacks. Given how often credentials appear in data breaches, MFA is one of the highest-return controls available to you.

Follow Bot Detection Protocols

Use bot detection tools to stop automated threats before they reach your customers and systems. Reliable bot mitigation tools block credential stuffing, scraping, and denial-of-service attacks. Look for solutions with device fingerprinting, behavioral analysis, real-time detection, and AI integration. Without bot protection in place, your login pages, checkout flows, and APIs are open to automated attacks around the clock.

Regularly Update and Patch Software

Attackers actively scan for systems running unpatched vulnerabilities. The time between a vulnerability being disclosed and it being exploited is often days, not months. The 2017 Equifax breach, which exposed the personal data of 147 million people, traced back to an unpatched software vulnerability. Update and patch all software, applications, and operating systems promptly. Automate the process wherever you are able to eliminate delays.

Limit Access to Sensitive Information

Give employees only the access they need to do their job. This principle, known as least privilege, limits the damage from both compromised accounts and insider threats. Review permissions regularly. Revoke access immediately when employees change roles or leave the organization. A former employee with active credentials is an open door.

Back Up Data Regularly

Regular, tested backups give you an option other than paying a ransom when an attack hits. Store backups in a secure, offsite or cloud-based location isolated from your main network. A backup stored on the same network as your primary systems will likely be encrypted alongside them during a ransomware attack. Test your backups on a scheduled basis. A backup you have never tested is a backup you cannot rely on.

Build an Incident Response Plan

No defense stops every attack. You need a documented plan for what happens when one gets through. Your plan should specify who handles what, how to contain the attack, how to communicate with customers and regulators, and how to restore operations. According to IBM, organizations with a tested incident response plan save an average of $2.66 million per breach compared to those without one. Test and update the plan at least once per year.

Secure Your Network

Your network is the pathway attackers use to move through your systems once they get in. Segment your network so a breach in one area does not automatically give access to everything else. Require employees to use a VPN when working remotely, especially on public Wi-Fi. Use firewalls to filter traffic at the perimeter. Disable unused ports and services. These steps reduce how far an attacker gets even when your other defenses fail.

Train Your Employees

Human error contributes to the vast majority of successful cyberattacks. Run regular security awareness training that covers phishing recognition, password hygiene, safe browsing habits, and how to report suspicious activity. Use simulated phishing exercises to test what employees have learned and identify who needs more support. Make reporting easy and free of blame. Early reports stop attacks that would otherwise go unnoticed for weeks.

Conduct Regular Security Audits

Your defenses need testing, not just setup. Schedule periodic security audits to identify gaps in your controls, outdated configurations, and access permissions that have accumulated over time. Penetration testing, where a security professional attempts to breach your systems the way an attacker would, gives you a realistic view of your exposure. Treat audit findings as a prioritized action list, not a report to file away.

Consider Cyber Insurance

Cyber insurance does not prevent attacks, but it reduces the financial impact when one succeeds. A good policy covers costs related to data recovery, legal fees, regulatory fines, customer notification, and business interruption. Review policies carefully. Many exclude coverage for attacks linked to unpatched vulnerabilities or inadequate security controls, so the practices described in this guide are prerequisites for getting the most out of coverage.

Invest in the Right Security Tools

Endpoint antivirus is a starting point, not a complete solution. Firewalls, email filtering, network monitoring, and threat detection systems add the layers you need. Many modern tools use machine learning to identify behavior that traditional detection would miss. Match your toolset to your actual risk profile and budget, then build from there as your needs grow.

Cyberattacks will happen. The businesses that recover are the ones that prepare before an attack occurs, not after. Enforce MFA, deploy bot mitigation, keep software patched, restrict access, back up your data, secure your network, train your team, audit your defenses, and document your response plan. Do those things consistently and you give your business a real defense against the threats most likely to cause serious damage.

Vodafone Ireland – Ireland’s first mobile video phone call via satellite

Vodafone Ireland has marked a major milestone for connectivity on the island of Ireland, successfully completing Ireland’s first mobile phone video call via AST SpaceMobile BlueBird satellite using a standard smartphone. This achievement highlights the potential of satellite technology to help close coverage gaps, strengthen network resilience and ensure people can stay connected wherever they are, benefitting people living or working in remote areas, farmers, sailors, hikers and mountaineers for example.
The announcement was made during a visit to Ireland by Vodafone Group Chief Executive, Margherita Della Valle, to mark 25 years of Vodafone in Ireland and to meet with the Taoiseach. She briefed him on Ireland’s first satellite enabled mobile broadband call delivered by the company and discussed the future of connectivity, innovation and continued investment. She was joined by Vodafone Group CEO of European Markets, Ahmed Essam.
The video call was made, in partnership with Satellite Connect Europe connecting to AST SpaceMobile’s satellite constellation, by Vodafone Ireland engineer Robert Ivers from Clare Island, Co. Mayo to Vodafone Ireland CEO Sabrina Casalta in Dublin. The call is the first satellite broadband video call to a standard smartphone in the EU. It follows Vodafone’s world‑first mobile video call via satellite in the UK last year.
The successful satellite video call demonstrates Vodafone Ireland’s ambition and success in delivering the next frontier in connectivity for its customers, integrating satellite technology with existing mobile networks. Critically, satellite connectivity can provide a vital safety net for those living in remote or hard‑to‑reach areas and help keep emergency services and communities connected during severe weather events or major outages, when mobile networks can be impacted by disruption to their power supply.
Vodafone Ireland secured Ireland’s first test and trial licence from ComReg, enabling this satellite call to be made using terrestrial spectrum. Building on this milestone, Vodafone is now progressing further technical development and regulatory engagement, with the ambition of bringing satellite broadband connectivity to customers as soon as possible.
25 Years of Vodafone in Ireland
This landmark achievement comes as Vodafone Ireland marks 25 years of serving customers, businesses and communities across Ireland. Over that period, Vodafone has invested more than €20 billion in Ireland, in today’s terms, including €5.8 billion in capital investment and €6.3 billion contributed to the national exchequer through spectrum licence fees and taxation.
Vodafone Foundation has invested €24 million in support of community and digital inclusion initiatives, having been the first company to establish a corporate foundation in Ireland. More than 2,000 people currently work with Vodafone across its Dublin headquarters and 80 retail stores nationwide.
 Looking ahead, Vodafone Ireland said the next 25 years will be defined by innovation, continued investment and the deployment of advanced technologies that enable the competitiveness of Ireland’s digital economy, public services and communities. Vodafone Ireland continues to invest heavily in its mobile and fixed networks nationwide, ensuring customers benefit from the best services available.
COMMENT 
An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, said: “Our new National Digital & AI Strategy, Digital Ireland reflects the Government’s ambition to strengthen our position as a digital leader and a global hub for AI innovation. This includes ensuring Ireland remains one of Europe’s best-connected nations, and Vodafone’s innovations in this space are particularly exciting. Ireland’s first satellite mobile call demonstrates how innovation can strengthen resilience, extend connectivity to remote communities and support emergency services. As Vodafone marks 25 years in Ireland, today’s announcement highlights the significant contribution the company has made to our digital economy, connectivity and employment, and how Vodafone continues to build on that legacy through transformative innovation.”
Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group Chief Executive said: “Ireland’s first satellite-enabled call reflects Vodafone’s ambition to push the boundaries of connectivity and to invest in technologies that deliver real impact for customers and society. Ireland has been a key part of Vodafone’s success for 25 years connecting people, businesses and communities across the country. To sustain innovation and continued investment in advanced networks, it is essential that this ambition is matched by a stable, forward looking regulatory and legislative environment that supports long term infrastructure investment.”
Ahmed Essam, CEO, Vodafone European Markets said: “Investment in telecommunications is far from over. As technology evolves, our networks must evolve too, and the sector must continue to invest to ensure customers remain connected. Innovations such as 5G Standalone and satellite are opening up the next frontier of connectivity, enabling new services and capabilities that were not possible before.”
Sabrina Casalta, CEO, Vodafone Ireland said: “This milestone is a powerful demonstration of how technology can make a real difference for people. By integrating satellite and mobile networks, we are extending connectivity beyond traditional limits — helping to keep customers, communities, businesses and emergency services connected, particularly in remote areas and during times of disruption, using their everyday smartphone.
For 25 years, Vodafone Ireland has consistently raised the bar for connectivity, underpinned by sustained investment and the dedication of our people. We were the first to roll out 3G, 4G and 5G nationally, alongside delivering a series of other Irish firsts — from fibre connectivity and the establishment with the ESB of SIRO to Real Time Text — helping to shape Ireland’s digital landscape.
As we mark 25 years in Ireland, this satellite call represents a significant next step, reflecting our commitment to ensuring no one is left without access to vital communications, wherever they live. Our focus now is on progressing towards commercial satellite services, working closely with partners to advance the regulatory frameworks and technologies needed to make this next phase a reality.”
Meredith Sharples, Managing Director of Satellite Connect Europe, said: “This video call, completed from a part of Ireland with no mobile connectivity using a standard smartphone, is yet another step forward as we continue to demonstrate the performance of space-based cellular connectivity while expanding the constellation and advancing deployment with mobile network operators across Europe. Our focus is on delivering a seamless extension of existing networks, providing reliable coverage in areas where traditional infrastructure alone cannot reach.”

Tech Industry Alliance Announces TechFest 2026

Tech Industry Alliance has announced the official launch of TechFest 2026, the South West’s leading technology conference, bringing together technology leaders, policymakers, innovators, and industry experts for a high-impact, in-person event exploring one of the defining issues of our time: how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping business, society and public trust.

TechFest, the flagship annual conference from Tech Industry Alliance, will take place at the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork, from 09:00 on Thursday, 21 May 2026. This year’s theme, “AI, Technology & the Future: Innovation, Intelligence and Human Impact,” will explore both the opportunities and responsibilities that accompany rapid advances in artificial intelligence.

Tickets for the conference are now available at:https://techindustryalliance.ie/tech-industry-alliance-techfest-2026/

The dynamic one-day conference will feature high-profile keynote speakers, expert panel discussions, and real-world industry case studies. The programme is designed to provide both strategic insight and practical application, examining not only the transformative potential of AI, but also the governance, regulatory and ethical frameworks required to scale it responsibly.

TechFest 2026 will welcome Jamie Bartlett, a UK-based author, researcher, and broadcaster specialising in the societal impact of emerging technologies, online culture and digital power. He is the author of several acclaimed books including the bestselling The Dark Net, Radicals, The People Vs Tech and The Missing Cryptoqueen, with his work translated into 15 languages. Bartlett founded the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media at the think tank Demos and is a regular commentator across national and international media. His expertise spans cybersecurity, crypto scams, online subcultures and the influence of technology on politics. His TED Talk, How the Mysterious Dark Net Is Going Mainstream, has been viewed more than five million times.

Guiding attendees through the day will be Jonathan McCrea, acclaimed science communicator, and AI master trainer. Known for making complex technology accessible and engaging, Jonathan will help frame discussions around the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption, ensuring an insightful and thought-provoking experience for attendees.

Matthew Camilleri, Chairperson of Tech Industry Alliance, said:
“We are delighted to announce TechFest 2026. From the societal risks associated with AI, cybersecurity threats, and criminal misuse, to regulation, innovation enablement and enterprise adoption, this year’s conference will offer a balanced and forward-looking agenda. TechFest continues to bring together the voices shaping the future of technology in Ireland. This event would not be possible without the support of our sponsors, who recognise the critical importance of the technology sector to the Munster region. Following the success of last year’s conference, we look forward to building on that momentum in 2026.”

With more than 400 attendees expected, TechFest 2026 will provide a unique opportunity to network, collaborate, and share insights across the technology ecosystem. The event will feature speakers from technology companies, academia, government, law enforcement, and cybersecurity, alongside organisations already deploying AI solutions in real-world environments. The full line up of speakers will be released in the coming weeks.

Given the high level of interest, early registration is encouraged as the event is expected to sell out.

For exhibitor and sponsorship enquiries, contact info@techindustryalliance.ie

AI is accelerating but is your infrastructure keeping pace?

AI is rapidly transforming businesses across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), unlocking innovation and potential in vital areas from retail personalisation to medical research. But Irish organisations in particular are feeling both the excitement and the strain. Many businesses find their AI ambitions stalling – as no one expected they’d need to support AI workloads when designing their infrastructure strategy. Colin Boyd, Data Centre Solutions Sales Director, Dell Technologies Ireland tells us more

The investment momentum is strong. Projections show the AI market in Europe alone is experiencing robust growth, projected to expand from approximately $105B in 2024 to over $640B by 2031, at a CAGR of 35% (Statista). But in Ireland the legacy systems remain one of the biggest barriers to progress with almost 28% of businesses saying their servers need upgrading to support AI workloads and 34% saying the same for their storage systems, according to Dell Technologies Innovation Catalyst Study. And as data volumes surge, 97% organisations that are planning to increase their storage capacity expect to face challenges of some sort when doing so, underscoring the scale of the infrastructure gap.

To truly unlock AI’s potential, leaders must first look inward and assess if their infrastructure is a launchpad for innovation or a barrier to progress. Here are five indicators that your infrastructure might be holding you back.

  1. Data Access is a Bottleneck, Not an Enabler

AI models are fueled by data. The more high-quality data they can process, the more accurate and insightful they become. However, many local businesses still struggle with fragmented or slow-moving data. If data scientists spend more time waiting for datasets to load than they do building models, that is a problem. Legacy storage systems often struggle to deliver the high-speed, parallel throughput required for training complex algorithms.

The challenge is further amplified by Ireland’s strict regulatory environment as seen 40% of the organisations say they face challenges when it comes to meeting regulatory data requirements when it comes increasing storage capacity and 37% cite data security and privacy concerns as barriers when planning to scale their storage infrastructure.

The need for strong data management in the EMEA region is further amplified by stringent regulatory requirements. Regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe set high standards for data privacy, consent, and localisation. Businesses need to ensure that data used for AI is not only accessible and timely but also managed and transferred in compliance with these legal mandates.

Consider a financial institution in London aiming to use AI for fraud detection. Real-time analysis is essential, but a fragmented or slow data landscape not only risks missed threats but can also lead to breaches of privacy mandates. Modern, compliant data platforms help unify, streamline, and accelerate access – enabling safe, rapid innovation, while meeting the complex requirements for privacy and governance.

  1. Scaling Server Infrastructure for the Next Wave of AI

Running AI in production is still a highly-compute intensive challenge for most businesses. While few enterprises are training large language models from scratch, many are deploying AI to support real-time decision making, analytics, computer vision, and increasingly autonomous workflows alongside existing business applications.

Almost 28% of Irish organisations say their servers need upgrading to support AI workloads, as it places sustained pressure on server infrastructure, particularly when general-purpose servers are already operating close to capacity. When AI inference, data processing and core applications compete for the same resources, performance suffers and the value of AI is harder to realise. Purpose built infrastructure, including accelerated compute, helps businesses support these mixed workloads efficiently while maintaining reliability and predictable performance.

  1. The Network Is a Traffic Jam

AI doesn’t just demand powerful computing and storage; it also requires a robust network to move massive datasets between storage, processing units, and end-users. But many businesses are discovering that their networks weren’t designed for this level of throughput. A slow or unreliable network can create significant bottlenecks, effectively starving your powerful AI processors of the data they need to function. Signs include long data transfer times, network congestion during peak processing hours, and dropped connections that can interrupt critical training jobs.

A slow network means a frustratingly delayed user experience, which can directly impact on customer satisfaction and retention. A growing number of Irish businesses recognise that improving data transfer speeds is essential to support AI tasks. A high-speed, low-latency network fabric is essential to ensure a smooth, continuous flow of data, enabling your AI applications to perform as intended.

  1. Deployment and Management Are Overly Complex

Getting an AI model from the lab to a live production environment should be a streamlined process. However, many businesses find themselves entangled in complexity. If your IT team struggles to provision resources, manage software dependencies, and scale applications, your infrastructure is creating unnecessary friction. A rigid, manually configured environment makes it difficult to experiment, iterate, and deploy AI models efficiently.

The challenge is compounded by skills gap and operational pressures. 34% of Irish organisations cite a lack of in-house expertise as a key barrier to managing growing data and infrastructure demands.

Lack of agility can be a significant disadvantage. Businesses across the EMEA region are looking to AI for a competitive edge, and speed to market is critical.

Modern infrastructure simplifies this journey with integrated software stacks and automation tools. This approach empowers teams to deploy AI applications quickly, manage them with ease, and scale them on demand, fostering a culture of rapid innovation.

  1. No Clear Path to Scale

While an organisation’s first AI project may start small, the infrastructure should be ready for what comes next. A critical sign of an unprepared system is the absence of a clear, cost-effective strategy for scaling your AI capabilities. If expanding the AI environment requires a complete and costly overhaul, the initial success will be difficult to replicate and these challenges are already being felt across businesses, with 40 % reporting difficulties when ensuring infrastructure scalability, while 37% cite high cost of expanding data storage as one of the key obstacles.

Infrastructure built on a scalable, modular architecture allows businesses to grow AI resources incrementally. This “pay-as-you-grow” model provides the flexibility to meet evolving demands without overinvesting, ensuring your AI journey is sustainable in the long term.

Building the Foundation for Progress

The journey to AI is not just about algorithms and data; it’s about building a powerful and agile foundation. By addressing these five signs, businesses in Ireland can move beyond the limitations of legacy systems. Investing in modern, purpose-built infrastructure is an investment in your future. It empowers your teams, simplifies complexity, and creates the conditions for AI to deliver on its promise of driving meaningful progress and creating new opportunities.

As organisations look to advance their AI ambitions, understanding how to modernise infrastructure becomes essential. The same principles that drive transformation – strengthening core systems, managing data securely and scaling AI workloads with confidence will be at the heart of the conversation at Dell Technologies Innovate. Bringing together industry experts and technology leaders, the event will explore how organisations can build resilient, AI‑ready environments while maintaining security, compliance, and performance.

For organisations looking to take the next step in their AI journey, understanding how to modernise infrastructure will be key.

Join us at Irish Museum of Modern Art on 26th March to dive deeper into these strategies and chart a clear path forward. For more information and to register, click here.

Why Penetration Testing Companies Are Essential for Modern Cybersecurity

In a digital economy where data is one of the most valuable assets an organization owns, the ability to detect vulnerabilities before attackers do has become a strategic necessity. Penetration testing companies help organizations uncover hidden security weaknesses by simulating real-world cyberattacks against applications, infrastructure, and networks, allowing businesses to strengthen defenses before malicious actors exploit those gaps.

Why penetration testing has become essential

Cybersecurity threats have grown more sophisticated and persistent in recent years. Enterprises no longer face only opportunistic hackers; they must also defend against organized cybercriminal groups, state-sponsored attackers, and automated attack tools that scan the internet continuously for vulnerabilities.

Traditional security tools—such as firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems—play an important role, but they cannot identify every weakness. Many vulnerabilities stem from misconfigurations, insecure code, overlooked access controls, or complex interactions between systems.

Penetration testing addresses this challenge by applying the mindset and techniques of attackers. Security professionals attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in a controlled environment, demonstrating exactly how an attack could unfold and what business impact it might have. Instead of theoretical risks, companies receive practical insight into real security gaps.

What penetration testing companies actually do

Professional penetration testing providers offer a range of services designed to assess different layers of an organization’s technology stack. These services typically include:

Network penetration testing
This type of assessment focuses on internal and external network infrastructure. Testers attempt to exploit weaknesses in routers, servers, firewalls, or network protocols to gain unauthorized access.

Web application testing
Modern organizations rely heavily on web platforms. Penetration testers evaluate applications for vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting, insecure authentication mechanisms, and flawed session management.

Mobile application security testing
As mobile apps increasingly handle sensitive data and financial transactions, specialized testing ensures they are protected against reverse engineering, insecure APIs, and data leakage.

Cloud security assessments
With many businesses migrating workloads to the cloud, penetration testing helps identify configuration errors, excessive permissions, and exposed services that could allow attackers to move laterally within cloud environments.

Social engineering testing
Some engagements also evaluate human vulnerabilities through phishing simulations or other social engineering techniques. These tests help organizations measure employee awareness and identify training gaps.

The methodology behind effective penetration testing

High-quality penetration testing is structured and systematic rather than random hacking attempts. Professional testers typically follow a standardized methodology that includes several stages.

  1. Reconnaissance and information gathering
    Security specialists collect publicly available information about the target organization, its infrastructure, domains, and technologies. This stage helps testers map potential entry points.
  2. Vulnerability identification
    Automated tools and manual analysis are used to identify weaknesses in software, configurations, and systems.
  3. Exploitation
    Testers attempt to exploit discovered vulnerabilities in order to determine whether they can gain access, escalate privileges, or extract sensitive information.
  4. Post-exploitation analysis
    This phase evaluates how far an attacker could move within the environment after gaining initial access.
  5. Reporting and remediation guidance
    Perhaps the most important stage is the final report, which includes detailed findings, severity ratings, proof-of-concept evidence, and clear recommendations for remediation.

The goal is not only to expose vulnerabilities but also to provide organizations with actionable guidance to improve their overall security posture.

How businesses benefit from penetration testing

Organizations that invest in regular penetration testing gain several advantages beyond simple vulnerability detection.

First, testing helps reduce the risk of costly data breaches. A single cyber incident can lead to financial losses, regulatory penalties, operational disruption, and reputational damage.

Second, penetration testing supports regulatory compliance. Many industries—including finance, healthcare, and e-commerce—require periodic security assessments to meet standards such as PCI DSS, ISO 27001, or HIPAA.

Third, it improves internal security maturity. When development and infrastructure teams receive detailed feedback from testers, they gain a deeper understanding of secure architecture and coding practices.

Finally, penetration testing strengthens customer trust. Demonstrating that systems are regularly tested by independent experts signals a strong commitment to protecting user data.

Choosing the right penetration testing partner

Not all security providers deliver the same level of expertise or value. When selecting a penetration testing company, organizations should consider several factors.

Technical expertise is critical. Experienced testers should hold recognized certifications such as OSCP, CEH, or CREST, and have proven experience with modern technologies including cloud platforms, APIs, and containerized environments.

Methodology and transparency also matter. Reputable firms clearly explain their testing process, scope, and reporting structure before the engagement begins.

Industry experience can significantly improve the quality of testing. Providers familiar with sectors like fintech, healthcare, or logistics understand common threat patterns and regulatory expectations.

Actionable reporting is another key factor. Security reports should translate technical findings into clear business risks and remediation steps that engineering teams can realistically implement.

The growing role of penetration testing in modern cybersecurity

As digital ecosystems expand, the attack surface of organizations grows with them. Cloud services, APIs, IoT devices, and remote work infrastructure all introduce new potential entry points for attackers.

Because of this complexity, cybersecurity can no longer rely solely on defensive monitoring tools. Businesses must proactively search for weaknesses in the same way adversaries do. Regular penetration testing has therefore evolved from a niche security service into a core component of modern cyber risk management.

Organizations that integrate testing into their security lifecycle—especially during software development and infrastructure changes—can detect vulnerabilities earlier and reduce remediation costs significantly.

In this environment, companies increasingly turn to specialized security partners to strengthen their defenses. Andersen penetration testing company services, for example, are often integrated into broader cybersecurity and software engineering initiatives, enabling businesses to identify vulnerabilities early, validate the resilience of their systems, and continuously improve their security posture as their digital products evolve.

Over two thirds of women led businesses in Ireland using AI

Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a routine part of how women‑led businesses operate, according to new data from Network Ireland released ahead of its national International Women’s Day event at the Limerick Strand Hotel this Saturday.

The survey of 1,400 members of the country’s largest business networking organisation for women shows that 68% of respondents now use AI in some form, most commonly in marketing, finance or HR. The trend is set to continue, with 72% planning to increase their use of the technology this year, despite two out of three respondents saying they are worried about regulatory or ethical issues linked to AI.

Rising operational pressures are also evident. 76% say costs have increased this year, driven primarily by labour (32%), energy (17%), taxation/compliance (15%), supply‑chain input (13%), insurance (4%) and commercial rates (3%).

Inflation pressures (38%) remain the biggest risk for 2026, followed by a domestic economic slowdown (29%), global instability (21%) and access to finance (5%). Customer demand trends are mixed, with 47% reporting stronger customer demand than in 2025, 31% saying it is unchanged and 22% reporting weaker demand.

LinkedIn and Instagram remain the most important platforms for business growth, with eight in ten business owners posting regularly. The main objectives for social media use are brand awareness (42%), lead generation (30%), community building (14%), direct sales (12%) and recruitment (2%).

Network Ireland’s International Women’s Day event will be headlined by entrepreneur and social innovator Sonya Lennon, who will join speakers from fashion, global sport and enterprise to discuss what it takes to build resilient brands in competitive markets. The programme will also explore the concept of brand wellness, ensuring that as organisations scale, the people behind them remain supported.

The event is supported by AIB, Limerick City and County Council and Enterprise Ireland. Down Syndrome Limerick, the President’s chosen charity partner, will be represented by speaker Annie Conway.

Karen Ronan, Network Ireland President and CEO of Galway Chamber, said the survey findings underline the importance of this year’s International Women’s Day theme.

“Building bridges is about creating access to opportunity, to confidence and to leadership,” she said. “Women are adapting to new technologies and new market realities at pace. Our role is to make sure they have the networks and support to grow with confidence.”

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, commented, “International Women’s Day urges us to turn celebration into action, ensuring that equality, respect and opportunity are not aspirations, but realities for all. Network Ireland continues to champion women who lead, innovate and uplift others. I particularly want to commend Limerick native Karen Ronan for her work as President of Network Ireland, while wishing Barbara MacCarthy the very best of luck in her term as Limerick branch President throughout 2026.”

Geraldine Casey, Managing Director of Retail Banking at AIB, said, “At AIB, we believe that when women in business thrive, our communities and our economy thrive with them. International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder that progress happens when ambition is supported by access to finance, to networks and to opportunity. AIB plays a vital role in creating those connections, and we look forward to continuing to champion female entrepreneurship, leadership and sustainable growth across Ireland.”

Sarah Walker, Senior Executive, Enterprise Ireland, said, “Enterprise Ireland is focused on increasing the number of women who start, lead and grow businesses, and we are delighted to support Network Ireland in hosting this year’s International Women’s Day event. Through our investments and initiatives, including the Going for Growth, NextWave, WeBuild, WeGrow and WeScale Shared Island programmes, we aim to give women the skills, networks and funding routes they need to scale. When women succeed in business, the benefits are felt across communities and the wider economy.”

Established in 1983, Network Ireland supports more than 1,400 female entrepreneurs, SME owners and senior professionals across sectors ranging from multinational business to non-profits, the arts and the public sector. Visit networkireland.ie for more.