Eoin Byrne
Cluster Manager, Cyber Ireland
Ireland’s cybersecurity sector enters 2026 with momentum and confidence, driven by sustained sales growth, rising global demand and a strengthening start-up and innovation ecosystem.
The Cyber Ireland Pulse Survey 2025 found the sector experienced strong performance over the past year: 63% of companies increased domestic sales, and 46% expanded exports, with expectations of even stronger growth in 2026. This positive business outlook is mirrored in hiring trends, as 80% of companies are hiring or planning to hire in the coming 12 months.
Yet challenges remain. Almost 90%of companies reported rising business costs, a trend set to continue in 2026. Skills shortages also persist, particularly in key roles such as security architecture and governance, risk and compliance. Meanwhile, organisations are accelerating AI integration: 28% consider themselves AI leaders, with advanced adoption across multiple operational areas.
2026 presents Ireland’s cybersecurity industry with opportunities to develop its leadership.
Ireland’s EU presidency — a platform for influence
As Ireland assumes the EU Presidency in 2026, the opportunity is to position cybersecurity as a priority on the EU political agenda, allowing Ireland to champion policy development, resilience and cross-border cooperation initiatives shaping the future of European cybersecurity.
A new generation of cyber start-ups
We’re seeing a new wave of early-stage cybersecurity start-ups emerging, particularly in AI-driven security and regulatory compliance, fields that are rapidly expanding due to new regulations such as NIS2, DORA and CRA. The Cyber Innovate programme is contributing to this pipeline with 12 new cyber entrepreneurs and new start-ups each year.
Almost 90%of companies reported rising business costs, a trend set to continue in 2026
Laying the foundations for Ireland’s National Cybersecurity R&D Centre
The commencement of work to establish Ireland’s national cybersecurity R&D centre in 2026 will mark a transformative milestone for research and industry development. It can become a centre of gravity for cybersecurity in the State, facilitating collaboration between academia, industry and government, and a catalyst for indigenous technology development and international investment.
2026 provides Ireland with the opportunity to position itself as a leading cybersecurity industry in Europe.
