Cybersecurity doesn’t start with a firewall or antivirus. It starts with human people.
Even with the best technology in place, businesses in Ireland are still getting caught out by phishing scams, invoice fraud, and impersonation attacks. Why? Because attackers are going after your team, not just your systems.
Building a “human firewall” means giving your staff the tools, awareness, and confidence to spot cyber threats before they cause harm. For SMEs and growing businesses across Ireland, this is now essential.
Staff: Your Biggest Risk and Your Best Defence
It’s a hard truth, but most cyber breaches start with a human mistake. Clicking on a dodgy link. Downloading a fake invoice. Responding to a spoofed email that looks like it came from a supplier or manager.
Cybercriminals know that people are easier to trick than firewalls, especially in busy workplaces where time is short and trust is high.
That’s why Irish businesses need to shift their mindset: from locking down just the tech, to strengthening the people using it.
What Threats Are Targeting Irish Staff Right Now?
Here are the top cybersecurity risks we’ve seen targeting Irish SMEs:
- Phishing Emails – Fake emails that look genuine, often mimicking banks, suppliers or Microsoft 365.
- Invoice Redirection Fraud – Asking for a payment to a new “updated” bank account.
- CEO Fraud / Impersonation – Posing as senior staff to request urgent transfers or login credentials.
- Credential Harvesting – Fake login pages capturing email and password details.
If your staff aren’t trained to spot these, your business is exposed — regardless of your antivirus or firewall setup.
How to Build a Strong Human Firewall
This isn’t about turning staff into cybersecurity experts. It’s about helping them build good instincts and habits, backed by the right support.
1. Cybersecurity Awareness Training
Clear, simple, and regular training sessions keep security top of mind. Avoid the jargon and focus on real-world examples.
2. Simulated Phishing Campaigns
Testing staff in a safe environment is a great way to reinforce learning. We offer this as part of our managed cybersecurity services.
3. Encourage Reporting
Make it easy for staff to flag suspicious messages. Better a false alarm than a real breach.
4. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Even if login details are compromised, MFA blocks unauthorised access. This should be standard for every system, especially email and cloud platforms.
5. Password Best Practice
Use strong, unique passwords for each platform. Encourage the use of password managers, not Post-its or reused logins.
Culture Over Compliance
Annual training won’t cut it anymore. Building a human firewall means creating a cyber-aware culture, not a once-a-year event.
- Keep the conversation going.
- Celebrate staff who spot and report phishing.
- Update your policies in plain English.
- Work with a cybersecurity partner who supports both your systems and your staff.
Backed by Experts. Trusted by Irish Business.
At Infinite Technology, we’ve been supporting Irish organisations for over 25 years. We help SMEs train their staff, secure their systems, and respond to threats, all with local support you can count on.
Whether you need to start from scratch or strengthen what’s already in place, our team is ready to help.
Book a Cyber Awareness Review for Your Team
Want to know how your staff would handle a phishing attempt?
Let’s run a no-obligation review or simulate a campaign and help you build a smarter, safer workplace.
♾️ Talk to our team today
♾️ Or explore our Cybersecurity Services