In conjunction with Laois Chamber Alliance
Cybersecurity in the Midlands – Understanding the Real Costs of Being Unprepared
Held at the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise, the 21st May event focused squarely on cybersecurity awareness and risk management for Midlands-based businesses.
Titled “The Hidden Costs of Being Unprepared,” the session featured practical insights from Steven Cummins (Laois County Council), Bryan Fitzpatrick, EKCO, Alan O’Reilly from Blacknight, alongside agency support guidance from Mark Clancy in Laois LEO and a fantastic presentation from Detective Fran Hoban outlining what ‘bad actors’ in cyber security are plotting.
Attendees heard real-world examples of breaches, downtime, reputational damage, and insurance implications. The local case study made the risks relatable, prompting many participants to think seriously about their own vulnerabilities.
The session struck a chord with small business owners, IT staff, and service providers alike. Networking afterwards saw useful exchanges between vendors and clients, and many described the session as “eye-opening” and “overdue.”
