Irish Companies Lag in AI and Quantum Security Preparedness, PwC Survey Reveals

Global Cybersecurity Landscape

Organizations worldwide are struggling to prepare for emerging cyberthreats from artificial intelligence and quantum computing, with less than half considered “very capable” of withstanding a major cyberattack, according to PwC’s 2026 Global Digital Trust Insights survey. The comprehensive research, which gathered responses from 4,000 business and technology executives across 72 countries including Ireland, reveals significant gaps in preparedness despite increasing recognition of digital risks.

Global Cybersecurity Landscape
Ireland’s Investment Trends
AI Security Concerns and Uncertainties
Quantum Computing Threats
Training and Talent Development
Financial Impact and Regulatory Environment
Expert Commentary

Ireland’s Investment Trends

Sources indicate that 57% of Irish businesses are increasing their investments into cyber risk management, a figure lower than last year’s domestic numbers and slightly below the current global average of 60%. This continues a pattern observed in previous years, where 66% of Irish organizations had planned budget increases last year compared to higher global averages at the time., according to market developments

Analysts suggest that Irish companies are showing particular vigilance in supply chain security, with 32% changing suppliers to reduce exposure to third-party risks—placing them ahead of their global counterparts at 26%. However, the report states that this proactive approach doesn’t extend to AI-related challenges, where Irish firms demonstrate lower readiness levels.

AI Security Concerns and Uncertainties

Globally, nearly 78% of surveyed organizations said their cybersecurity budgets would increase in the coming year with AI being their top priority. The top AI attack scenarios causing concern include AI-powered malware (62%), AI-powered supply chain attacks (56%), and deepfake social engineering (48%)., according to recent studies

While 35% of organizations worldwide are prioritizing agentic AI as a security capability, the survey reveals that 42% of Irish leaders are uncertain about AI’s value for cyber defense—significantly above the global average of 34%. Additionally, 42% of Irish companies cited lack of knowledge as the top challenge in applying AI for cybersecurity, though this remains below the global average of 50%.

Quantum Computing Threats

The report states that quantum computing represents one of the most significant future threats, with estimates suggesting it could break current encryption protocols by 2030. However, only 8% of Irish organizations are actively implementing quantum-resistant technologies—dramatically lower than the global average of 22%.

Despite this implementation gap, analysts suggest there’s growing awareness, with 67% of Irish firms either exploring quantum-secure options or piloting the technology, slightly above the global average of 62%. A general lack of understanding around post-quantum risks, limited resources, and competing demands has meant that just 33% of companies worldwide have implemented quantum-security measures.

Training and Talent Development

Irish firms demonstrate strong commitment to continuous security training, according to the findings. Approximately 43% of surveyed Irish companies said ongoing security training would shape their cybersecurity spending over the next year, considerably ahead of the global average of 28%.

The report indicates that Irish businesses are addressing the cyber talent gap through upskilling and reskilling staff using AI, machine learning tools, and security automation—all at rates higher than global averages. Simultaneously, 35% of Irish businesses plan to recruit third-party cybersecurity services in the next year, reflecting growing demand for specialist expertise.

Financial Impact and Regulatory Environment

PwC’s survey finds that the most damaging cyber breach cost more than $500,000 for 39% of global respondents, with 11% reporting costs exceeding $10 million and 3% surpassing $20 million. In Ireland, the average cyber ransom cost companies nearly €700,000 last year, with one in three large enterprises admitting to paying at least one ransom.

According to Moira Cronin, a business assurance partner at PwC Ireland, “Planning ahead is also critical. European regulations like the Digital Operational Resilience Act and the Network and Information Security Directive 2 are reinforcing the need for forward-thinking cyber strategies that embed resilience into the core of the business.”

Expert Commentary

Leonard McAuliffe, a cyber security partner at PwC Ireland, commented that “The survey reveals that cyber priorities are shifting and technologies like AI and quantum computing are reshaping risk. For Irish firms, the message is clear – they recognise the potential of advanced technologies, but many are still finding their footing.”

He added that “This year’s findings show that resilience comes from foresight, not hindsight. Organisations should ensure that they are also investing in AI and cyber skills, prioritising the upskilling and re-skilling of their cyber teams in order to clearly and proactively map the cyber risks they face.”