Critical for Irish Economy That Smes Have Cybersecurity Response Plans in Place

It is critical for the Irish economy that SMEs assess cybersecurity risk and have suitable incident response plans in place as soon as possible, international experts have said at an event in Dublin.

The comments came at the launch of “Navigating NIS2: The Guide for Irish SMEs“, a new expert-led cybersecurity guide for Irish SMEs to become NIS2 ready.

Speaking to delegates from the Government and industry at the Stephen’s Green Club, Dublin 2, Jaap Meijer, Chief Cyber Security & Privacy Officer at Huawei, emphasised the vital significance of the guide and its capacity to support SMEs in a period of significant legislative change in the area. “This guide serves as a vital resource for SMEs throughout Ireland, enabling them to realign their procedures and policies in preparation for the implementation of NIS 2.0 and its wider economic impact.

Equipping SMEs with the essential cyber tools is crucial to facilitate a seamless transition and ensure they can adapt effectively to this transformation. With the recent introduction of the NIS2 cybersecurity framework, it is imperative that Irish SMEs understand its implications and take necessary steps to ensure compliance ahead of the deadline next year.”

The new guide is designed to empower Irish small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with essential knowledge to become NIS2 compliant in an increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape. NIS2, an evolution of the NIS Directive, ushers in a new era of compulsory cybersecurity obligations, impacting a wide array of sectors deemed critical to the Irish economy.

This update significantly augments the requirements for risk assessment and incident response. Moreover, it extends the scope to include SMEs that were previously exempt under the original NIS Directive, making it essential for Irish SMEs to adapt to these regulatory changes. The EU cybersecurity rules introduced in 2016 were enhanced by NIS2 and became effective on January 16, 2023. Organisations have until the 17th of October, 2024, to align themselves with its mandates.

The guide is tailored to address the specific challenges faced by Irish SMEs and equips them with the practical knowledge and strategies to support and enhance their organisation’s cybersecurity defences.

The launch event, also addressed by panel contributors Brian Honan, CEO, BH Consulting and guide author, and Sean McElligott, Partner and head of the Technology Group, Philip Lee Solicitors, provided a wealth of insights to delegates on the NIS2 framework and its direct implications for Irish SMEs. Attendees had the unique opportunity to engage with experts who possess an in-depth understanding of the cybersecurity landscape in Ireland and the European Union.