The cybersecurity landscape in Europe is undergoing a transformation. With the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) coming into force and the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) expected to be adopted in 2027, French companies must act quickly to strengthen their defenses against rising cyber threats.
In this context, Ireland stands out as a key player. With a well-established cybersecurity infrastructure, access to top-tier talent, and a central position within the EU, it is establishing itself as a strategic partner for French companies seeking to secure their operations and navigate an increasingly demanding regulatory environment.
A Major Regulatory Development: NIS2 and Beyond
The transposition of the Network and Information Security Directive (NIS2) into Irish law in October 2024 marked a key milestone in the EU's cybersecurity strategy. In Ireland, the number of regulated entities has grown from 70 under NIS1 to 4,000, and this is just the beginning. Across Europe, NIS2 will impact approximately 180,000 entities, affecting entire supply chains and spanning 18 sectors.
DORA and the CRA will further accelerate this transformation. DORA imposes stricter operational resilience standards on financial institutions, while the CRA targets the entire technology sector. The latter introduces a regulatory framework similar to the CE marking for physical products: from now on, all digital products sold in the EU will have to be secured against cyberattacks and receive support throughout their lifecycle. Technology companies, whether software developers or hardware manufacturers, will have to obtain cybersecurity certification before they can market their products.
This regulatory development will significantly boost demand for cybersecurity services, creating significant economic opportunities. Cybersecurity is estimated to represent a market growth of around €10 billion per year in Europe, as digital resilience becomes a strategic priority.
An imperative for action in the face of rising cyber threats
Cyberattacks are no longer a possibility, but a certainty. In 2024, nearly half of French companies will have suffered an attack, and for medium-sized and large organizations, managing sensitive data makes the issue even more critical. With the rise of generative artificial intelligence, these threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect.
The consequences of a breach go far beyond immediate financial losses. Reputational damage, loss of customer confidence, and investor concerns can have a lasting impact that is difficult to overcome. In an environment where trust is a key asset, it is imperative for businesses to protect not only their data, but also their credibility.
As regulations tighten in the face of a growing cyber threat, businesses will need technical expertise to ensure compliance and resilience.
Access to a pool of cybersecurity talent
While cybersecurity is technology-driven, its success depends primarily on human skills. However, 49% of public sector organizations report a lack of qualified talent to achieve their cybersecurity objectives – a figure up from 33% in 2024.
Conversely, Ireland has a vibrant cybersecurity talent ecosystem, supported by institutions such as Munster Technological University (MTU), which plays a key role in training the experts of tomorrow. Collaboration between industry, academia, and government has proven highly effective, with specialized programs like CyberSkills aiming to address skills gaps. Mastercard, for example, has used this initiative to upskill its teams in secure coding and security assurance testing, illustrating the program’s ability to meet industry needs.
By 2030, Ireland expects to employ 17,000 cybersecurity professionals, rising to 6,700 in 2022. This growth will contribute €2.5 billion annually to the economy, driven by multinational corporations and a vibrant ecosystem of more than 60 innovative cybersecurity startups.
A Franco-Irish collaboration already at work
While cybersecurity relies on technology, its success depends above all on human skills and collaborative innovation. Ireland has already demonstrated its ability to cooperate with French companies on strategic projects. A notable example is the Cyber Range, an infrastructure dedicated to advanced cybersecurity simulations.
Recently, in collaboration with Airbus in France, the Irish Naval Service, and several key stakeholders, Ireland led the first national smart maritime cybersecurity challenge. This innovative initiative consisted of a full-scale simulation of a ransomware attack on a ship, blocking access to the port. Multidisciplinary teams were then mobilized to counter the attack, eliminate the ransomware, and ensure the fluidity of the supply chain. This exercise not only illustrates the excellence of Ireland's cyber infrastructure, but also the opportunities for strategic cooperation with French companies to address concrete cybersecurity challenges.
Strategic Opportunities for French Companies
While European regulations may seem restrictive at first glance, they also constitute a strategic advantage, particularly for companies seeking to collaborate with international players. The EU, as a leader in regulation, guarantees that companies meet the highest standards in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Thanks to its political stability, robust infrastructure, and strong government support, Ireland represents an ideal base for French companies wishing to strengthen their cybersecurity capabilities and position themselves on the European market.
Faced with the intensification of regulations and the growing sophistication of cyber threats, Ireland appears to be a partner of choice for France. By drawing on Irish expertise and resources, French companies can not only protect their interests, but also play a leading role in establishing good cybersecurity practices globally.
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