Eir Business Announces €2.5 Million Cybersecurity Boost for 2,000 Irish SMEs
Dublin, 9 November 2026 | Nodex Business News
Irish small and medium-sized businesses are set to benefit from a new €2.5 million cybersecurity initiative announced by Eir Business, aimed at helping 2,000 companies strengthen their digital defences and reduce the risk of costly cyber incidents.
The new Cyber Resilience 360 programme will offer eligible Irish businesses €1,250 worth of fully funded cybersecurity support, providing practical guidance to help them identify weaknesses, protect important systems and prepare for potential cyber threats.
For SMEs across Dublin and throughout Ireland, the initiative comes at a time when cybersecurity is becoming an increasingly important part of running a successful business.
What Is Eir Business’s Cyber Resilience 360 Programme?
The initiative is designed to make professional cybersecurity guidance more accessible to Irish SMEs that may not have dedicated IT security teams.
Each participating business will receive:
- A 60-minute virtual consultation with an Eir Business cybersecurity specialist.
- A cybersecurity risk assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities and areas of concern.
- A personalised 90-day action plan outlining practical steps to improve digital security.
- €1,250 worth of fully funded support, helping reduce the initial cost of accessing specialist advice.
The programme is open to Irish SMEs employing 10 or more people, with 2,000 businesses targeted for support.
Cybercrime Could Be Costing Irish SMEs €3.4 Billion Annually
The announcement follows research published by Eir Business examining the financial and operational consequences of cyber threats for Irish companies.
According to its Hidden Cost of Cyber Risk report, cyber-related disruption could be costing Irish SMEs as much as €3.4 billion every year.
The research also found that affected businesses lose an average of 18.6 working days annually because of cyber incidents.
For smaller companies, this lost time can have serious consequences, including interrupted customer services, delayed orders, reduced productivity and unexpected recovery costs.
Importantly, the report highlights that repeated smaller incidents can create significant financial damage over time, even without a major cyberattack.
Why This Matters for Dublin Businesses
Dublin is home to thousands of independent retailers, professional services firms, tradespeople, healthcare providers and growing technology companies.
Many rely on websites, digital payments, online booking systems and customer databases to operate efficiently.
As businesses become more digitally connected, the consequences of cyber disruption can extend far beyond their IT systems.
A compromised business email account, for example, could interrupt communication with customers or expose a company to payment fraud.
Similarly, an attack affecting a booking platform or online shop could result in lost sales and damage customer confidence.
The Cyber Resilience 360 programme could provide an opportunity for eligible Dublin businesses to review their security arrangements and identify improvements before a serious incident occurs.
Five Cybersecurity Steps Every Small Business Should Consider
Even businesses that are not eligible for the new programme can take practical steps to improve their digital security.
1. Enable multi-factor authentication
Add extra verification to business email accounts, financial systems, website administration panels and other important services.
2. Keep websites and software updated
Outdated plugins, applications and operating systems can introduce security vulnerabilities.
For businesses using WordPress, maintaining current software versions and regularly reviewing installed plugins are particularly important.
3. Back up essential business information
Maintain secure backups of customer records, business documents and website data, and test whether those backups can be restored.
4. Train employees to recognise suspicious messages
Phishing emails, fraudulent invoices and impersonation attempts can create serious financial risks.
5. Prepare a cyber incident response plan
Businesses should know who to contact, which systems to isolate and how to continue essential operations following an incident.
These basic measures can form part of a broader cybersecurity strategy tailored to each organisation’s needs.
How Can Irish Businesses Access the Support?
Businesses interested in the Cyber Resilience 360 programme should visit the official Eir Business website for further information about eligibility, registration and availability.
The initiative is intended for Irish SMEs with at least 10 employees. Businesses should confirm the current application process and any additional programme requirements directly with Eir Business.
Official website: https://www.eirbusiness.ie/
Building a Stronger Digital Future for Irish SMEs
For Ireland’s small business community, digital security is increasingly connected to business continuity, customer trust and long-term growth.
Eir Business’s €2.5 million commitment highlights the growing importance of giving smaller organisations access to practical cybersecurity expertise.
Whether operating a Dublin retail shop, a regional services company or a growing online business, taking steps to strengthen digital resilience can help reduce disruption and support future growth.
As more Irish businesses embrace online tools and digital services, protecting those systems is becoming a fundamental part of everyday business management.
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Source: Business Plus, 9 November 2026, and Eir Business’s Hidden Cost of Cyber Risk research. This article is an independent Nodex news report and is not sponsored by or affiliated with Eir Business.