New Vodafone research highlights growing mobile devices security concerns among Irish SMEs

The latest Vodafone Business Cybersecurity Report has revealed that despite 70% of SMEs expressing growing concerns over potential security attacks on mobile devices, more than 40 percent grant access to company resources to employees on the go without dedicated mobile security controls. This means many employees are accessing company emails, documents and apps out of office, increasing potential exposure to security and operational risks.

To help reduce exposure to these risks, Vodafone Business recommends a small number of practical actions. Outdated devices that no longer receive security updates should be phased out, particularly where personal phones or tablets are used for work. Automatic operating system and app updates should be switched on across all work devices, and clear expectations should be set that any device used for work must stay up to date. Where possible, mobile security or management tools can help identify gaps, while clear and timely communication is essential when urgent security updates need to be applied.

The findings form part of Vodafone Business’s latest global cybersecurity threat research, drawing on insights from Vodafone’s mobile security networks, partner intelligence, alongside primary research conducted in Ireland to understand how mobile-based threats are evolving for organisations of all sizes.

More importantly, the report highlights the emerging risks linked to how mobile devices used for business and work are managed, rather than the devices themselves. As part of the Irish research, Vodafone commissioned a survey of 300 Irish SME’s employing between 50-250 people to better understand the challenges facing mid-sized businesses in an increasingly digital economy.

The research highlighted concerns among Irish SMEs, with seven in ten Irish businesses more worried about phishing, data leakage, malware and spyware risks than this time last year.

With mobile-based attacks now accounting for over 42 percent of all cyber incidents, the need for greater awareness around workplace mobile safety in and out of the workplace continues to grow. The Vodafone Business Cybersecurity Report also reveals 20 percent of businesses don’t proactively monitor for security threats. It highlights a growing need for greater awareness and security measures for employees, as personal devices often lack the enterprise-grade protections found on company-issued equipment.

The report signifies the need for employers and employees to become more risk-aware when accessing private company documents. With almost one million Irish people working in remote or hybrid arrangements last year, and 5.54 million cellular mobile connections active in Ireland in late 2025, there is a growing need for heightened mobile security awareness training among organisations.

It’s estimated that almost a quarter of companies (23 percent) suffered a cybersecurity breach in 2025, highlighting the importance of educating both employees and employers around safer smart device use.

Marking 25 years in Ireland this year, Vodafone Ireland has 2.4 million customers. Six in ten Irish businesses are Vodafone customers. The company is the fastest-growing broadband provider in the country and the leader in mobile in Ireland.

To help Irish SMEs better understand the findings of the report and the practical steps they can take to reduce risk, Vodafone Business is hosting a free, interactive webinar on Thursday 30 April at 12pm. The session, Mobile Security: The latest insights for Irish businesses, will bring together experts from Vodafone Business and mobile security partner Lookout to unpack the latest threat trends and share actionable guidance for businesses of all sizes. Registration is open to any business interested in strengthening mobile security and protecting their people, data and devices.

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