Cyber Ireland brought cybersecurity leaders from across industry, government, academia and international organisations together in Kilkenny on 22nd September 2026 for the fifth annual Cyber Ireland National Conference, CINC26.

Organised by Cyber Ireland and endorsed by the National Cyber Security Centre, the conference focused on the issues shaping the future of  cybersecurity in Ireland at a significant point in the country’s EU Presidency year. Cybersecurity supports all three Presidency themes of Competitiveness, Values and Security, reinforcing its importance to Ireland’s economic resilience, critical infrastructure and digital economy.

Under the theme ‘Realising Ireland’s Cyber Industry Potential’, CINC26 examined the global cyber threat landscape, cyber innovation, the development of a cyber-ready workforce and emerging security risks associated with artificial intelligence.

Richard Browne, Director of the National Cyber Security Centre, delivered a State of the Nation keynote examining the current cybersecurity landscape, the role of the NCSC and priorities for protecting Ireland’s digital infrastructure, economy and society. Dr Jayne Goble, Global Leader for OT Cyber Security Services at KPMG, also delivered a keynote address on the changing global cyber threat environment and the protection of critical infrastructure.

The conference was supported by Gold Sponsors: The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and KPMG.

Joseph Stephens, National Cyber Security Centre, said: “Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Effective public-private partnership is essential to protecting Ireland’s digital infrastructure, building national resilience and ensuring we can respond to an increasingly complex threat landscape. The NCSC values its ongoing collaboration with Cyber Ireland and is delighted to support the Cyber Ireland National Conference. Events like this play a vital role in connecting government, industry and academia nationally, enabling the exchange of expertise and helping to strengthen Ireland’s cybersecurity ecosystem.”

Eoin Byrne, Cluster Manager, Cyber Ireland, said: “Cybersecurity is not only essential to protecting Ireland’s digital economy, critical infrastructure and businesses, it is also a significant opportunity for economic growth. Ireland’s cyber sector has created highly skilled jobs, attracted multi-national investment and has innovative Irish companies delivering world-class solutions to customers across the globe. Through strong public-private partnership and investing in skills and innovation, Ireland can strengthen its position as a global industry leader in cybersecurity.”

Dr Jayne Goble, KPMG, said: “The cyber threat landscape has undergone a radical, silent mutation with bad actors increasingly focused on operational disruption and the weaponisation of AI against critical infrastructure. As a hyper-connected global hub hosting Europe’s core digital supply chains, Ireland sits directly in the crosshairs of this volatile new warfare. However, this vulnerability is precisely why Ireland is leading the counter-offensive. Our cybersecurity ecosystem has rapidly matured into a global powerhouse. Backed by over 140 pure-play cyber firms and upcoming NIS2 legislation, Ireland is turning the front lines of global risk into a masterclass for digital resilience.”

A further highlight of CINC26 was Cyber Solution Days, a European cybersecurity innovation competition where security leaders heard pitches from selected Irish and European companies presenting innovative cybersecurity solutions.

Across the conference, start-ups, SMEs, multinational companies, critical infrastructure providers, government bodies, researchers and educators came together to share expertise, strengthen partnerships and create opportunities for collaboration and business growth.

Ireland’s role as a major European digital hub formed an important backdrop to the discussions. Approximately 75 per cent of transatlantic cables pass near Irish waters, while Ireland is also a leading European data centre hub, underlining the importance of cybersecurity to the country’s infrastructure and Europe’s digital economy.

Cyber Ireland’s Cyber Security Sector Snapshot 2024 identified more than 535 companies in the sector, employing almost 8,000 people and contributing €1.2 billion to the economy annually. CINC26 highlighted both the strength of that ecosystem and the opportunity for Ireland to further develop its position as a leading cybersecurity industry hub in Europe.

For more information, visit https://conference.cyberireland.ie/

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