Viatel Insights into Cybersecurity Essentials for Cork Chamber Members

Insights into Cybersecurity Essentials for Cork Chamber Members 

Cork Chamber recently hosted an insightful 'Industry Insights' event focusing on the critical issue of cybersecurity.  Experts Damien McCann, Chief Commercial Officer at Viatel Technology Group, and Ed Heneghan, cybersecurity consultant and founder of Henocon, hosted a practical and interactive conversation on the growing threat of cybercrime. 

The speakers stressed the stark reality that businesses today fall into two categories: those that have been breached and those that are unaware or unwilling to admit that they have been compromised.  With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, prevention is crucial, but so is preparing for the inevitable.  Businesses must develop robust plans to maintain operational capacity in the event of an attack. 

The event underscored that cybersecurity is no longer solely the responsibility of IT departments. It is a company-wide concern that demands the active engagement of senior management.  Incoming legislation, such as NIS2, will hold leadership directly accountable for cybersecurity failures, making it imperative for them to oversee and actively participate in security initiatives. 

"Cybercrime is a lucrative industry," the speakers cautioned, highlighting the sophisticated tactics employed by attackers to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. "They employ analysts to assess targets’ value and weaknesses. Protecting your data is paramount. Proactivity is key in cybersecurity. An ounce of prevention is worth several thousand pounds worth of a cure" 

Multi-factor authentication was recommended as a fundamental security measure for all businesses. However, technology alone is not enough.  Employee awareness and training are vital components of a strong security posture. "A well-informed employee acts as a human firewall, an additional layer of defence," the speakers emphasised.  "Individuals handling sensitive information, such as payments and credentials, must be vigilant and aware of potential threats." 

About the Speakers 

Viatel Technology Group specialises in cyber resilience, secure networks, comprehensive cloud solutions, and managed IT services. Ed Heneghan is a highly experienced security consultant and ethical hacker with an extensive background in penetration testing, incident response, and intrusion detection. He has worked with various organisations, including government agencies, SMEs, and financial institutions.