Innovation and Engagement

ATU Supports the Cybersecurity Sector

Cybersecurity doesn’t just affect ‘technology’ companies. All companies now need to comply with a range of security legal aspects and every sector faces the risk of a cybersecurity breach – from healthcare, power grids and telecoms to education.

The cost of a data breach can be enormous, with both direct expenses and indirect expenses. IBM have stated that the global average cost of a data breach is $3.86 million.

According to the recently published “Cyber Security Skills Audit Report” the north-west region is a burgeoning, cyberfriendly ecosystem that could significantly help grow Ireland’s cybersecurity sector. The report identifies at least 10 organisations offering cybersecurity services within the region including large multinational operators, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) via its Letterkenny Global Delivery Centre, and Optum, the international healthcare services provider, who have stated ambitions to further recruit and grow their cybersecurity skills talent base locally.

The report found that the existence of a new university (ATU) in the region was one of the region’s key strengths and would attract companies seeking a new location for cybersecurity. Providing educational and training support to cybersecurity employees, graduates, and other people aspiring to enter the field will help the sector and the cybersecurity operators seeking to expand.

ATU’s computing programmes all have security elements to their modules, to ensure graduates understand cybersecurity. The university also delivers specific IT and cybersecurity undergraduate and post graduate programmes both on-site and online. You can find out more about these programmes by clicking on each programme title below:

• Bachelor of Science in Network Cybersecurity

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Networks and Cyber Security

• Master of Science Cybersecurity

• Certificate in Network Cybersecurity

• Certificate in Data Cybersecurity

• Master of Science in Cybersecurity Operations

• Certificate in Cybersecurity Operations

ATU staff are also currently involved in writing International Standards Organisation (ISO) standards to improve security in the software development cycle.

Regional Skills North West and Cyber Ireland partnered to commission the audit report to examine the shape of the cybersecurity section in the northwest as well as to identify the key skills gaps and challenges that need to be addressed to help the sector grow and flourish.

The report forecasts 220 new cybersecurity jobs in the region in the next few years growing the total cyber jobs by 88%. These roles span entry to senior-level, with potential to fill many of these with talent from within the region.

Speaking about the Cyber Security Skills Audit Report, Hilary McPartland, Regional Skills Manager said: “As manager of North West Regional Skills Forum this report has captured the opportunity for cybersecurity in the north-west.”

“It finds a vibrant ecosystem with great potential to grow. It’s the first step in our journey to build this sector to be one of the leaders in our region. I look forward to helping the talent and skills needed to support this dynamic sector vital to our economy and future success.”

To read the full Cyber Security Skills Audit Report, please click here

About Cyber Ireland

Cyber Ireland is a national cyber security cluster organisation. It has several Chapters including the West Chapter and the NorthWest Chapter. The chapters bring together industry professionals, academics from ATU, and local government representatives to represent the needs of the cyber security sector in the region. The aim is to enhance the innovation, growth and competitiveness of all companies and organisations working in cybersecurity in the west and north-west region of Ireland.