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Irish businesses are taking broader steps to strengthen security, with over a third re-evaluating critical infrastructure, such as changing where core operations are based. However, just 8pc of Irish companies spend significantly more on preventive cybersecurity measures than reactive ones, compared with 24pc globally, according to PwC’s 2026 Global Digital Trust Insights survey The research, based on responses from almost 4,000 business and technology executives across 72 countries, found that 57pc of Irish businesses are increasing investment in cyber risk management, compared with 60pc of businesses around the world. In the area of AI it explained how the technology is becoming a key tool in cyber defence, but Irish firms face more barriers to adopting it. Over half cite that implementing AI into cybersecurity measures is not worth the risk as of yet, above the global average of 39pc. Leadership uncertainty over AI’s value is also higher in Ireland, just below half at 42pc where globally it is 34pc, it said. Although firms are reluctant to use AI, investment into the technology is promising to see according to David Lee, PwC Ireland chief technology officer. “We know that digital trust is highlighted by many organisations as an inhibitor to the scaling of AI across their organisations,” he said. “In that context, it is encouraging to see investment in AI and data protection featuring as top priorities in cyber-related investments over the coming year.” For firms across the globe, AI technology is placed as the top cybersecurity investment followed by cloud security and network security at 28pc. Nearly eight in 10 organisations expect cyber budgets to rise in the year ahead, it said. The study also found that Irish organisations are placing more emphasis on cybersecurity training. Just below half said ongoing training will guide cyber spending next year, ahead of the global average of 28pc. More than a third plan to use managed cybersecurity services to address skills shortages, it said. Uncertainty around the world is causing a restructuring of cybersecurity measures according to Leonard McAuliffe, cyber security partner at PwC Ireland. “Economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions are reshaping cyber strategies. The survey reveals that cyber priorities are shifting and technologies like AI and quantum computing are reshaping risk,” he said.
