CYBERSECURITY has become a strategic business priority, no longer confined to IT departments. It requires company-wide vigilance and demands the attention of business owners, senior executives, risk managers, and compliance leaders alike.
That was the message from a team of experts who gathered in Ei Electronics’ Centre of Excellence in a week when Shannon Chamber was opening its new cybersecurity course.
The seminar was led by cyber risk specialist Fernando Sevillano, head of cyber and tech consulting for Western Europe at Willis, insurance brokers, risk advisors, and pension and actuarial consultants.
He was joined by Ciaran Wrenn from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) engagement unit, who has led public information campaigns on the subject and is the education lead on the government’s cyber core programme.
The information delivered by both presenters was informative and in part alarming, Shannon Chamber leaders said.
Ransomware remains the top threat by frequency and severity, with successful attacks more severe, and involving higher costs, longer downtime, and larger extortion demands.
Presenters did point to one positive, stating that, despite an increase in the number of threats, successful breaches are decreasing due to companies implementing increased security.
Said Mr Sevillano, companies should have a clear understanding of the threats, losses, impact, and risk management effectiveness in their business.
“Recognise your external exposure, such as information outside your company that could be exploited, define a mitigation roadmap based on your assessment results, and prioritise your mitigation efforts in line with the measured risk,” he urged.
Of note for boards and management bodies of companies is the fact that they are responsible and liable for cybersecurity.
“Management boards must possess cybersecurity knowledge and provide staff training, and, they must demonstrate the steps they have taken towards compliance,” said NCSC’s Ciaran Wrenn.
Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes, commenting on the seminar, said that attendees “learned the importance of both qualitative and quantitative cyber risk assessments to enable their companies make informed decisions around mitigation and risk transfer strategies”.
“A Professional Diploma in Cyber Security, offered by our Skillnet Business Network, and involving weekly online lectures with an industry expert, is an ideal starting point to gain expertise in this area,” she said.
The course commences on October 22 and concludes on January 21, 2026. Participants will gain a solid foundation in cybersecurity principles, learn how to identify threats, conduct risk assessments, and develop robust response strategies.
Further details can be found at shannonchamberskillnet.com.
