Mayo businesses urged to stay alert to AI and cybersecurity threats
Under the current economic development strategy, Mayo County Council is working to improve local businesses' digital skills and cybersecurity preparedness. Photo: Stock Image.
Businesses are being urged to stay alert to cybersecurity threats as artificial intelligence (AI) creates new challenges for firms.
The warning came at the October meeting of Mayo County Council’s strategic policy committee (SPC) on Enterprise and Economic Development, where councillors discussed the risks facing small and medium enterprises and how the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) can provide support.
Cllr Al McDonnell asked if the growing use of AI posed an extra threat to cybersecurity.
John Magee, Local Enterprise Officer and Head of Economic Development at the council, said there were “undoubtedly” new challenges associated with AI.
“There are people out there, malign actors, who will use technology to find a way to breach the security code of companies. That’s why it was suggested at this SPC that we help companies to be that bit more astute and aware of the risks they face,” he said. “In terms of awareness, there are risks there, and as a LEO we are aware of them. We do what we can to raise awareness and help companies to become more aware of what risks look like. That [risk] can be as benign as an email coming in.”
Mr Magee also referred to Mayo-based cybersecurity company Cytidel, founded by Matthew Conlon, a former LEO client, that helps companies to navigate the dangers and risks of the online world.
Cllr McDonnell added that cybersecurity threats come from a variety of different sources, and said, unfortunately, “the cowboys are normally that little bit ahead”.
As part of its current economic development strategy, Mayo County Council is working to improve local businesses' digital skills and cybersecurity preparedness through the rollout of its digital strategy, the 'European Data2Sustain Digital Innovation Hub project', and through support provided by LEO Mayo.
LEO Mayo is holding an online seminar, 'Future Proofing Your Business: Cyber Security/GDPR' on Tuesday, November 3rd, at 1pm, to help local firms better understand and tackle digital threats.
- Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
