Dell chief says skills training vital in using AI to counter cyber risks

Artificial Intelligence skills training will be vital as up to 10,000 new jobs could be created in cybersecurity sector by the end of the decade

Jason Ward, EMEA North vice-president and managing director of Dell Technologies Ireland.

People have a critical role to play as the first line of defence in cybersecurity, notably in how we use artificial intelligence to safeguard businesses in Ireland.

Jason Ward, EMEA North vice-president and managing director of Dell Technologies Ireland, says that cybersecurity isn't just about technology; it’s fundamentally about the people who use and safeguard it.

In this Q&A interview, Mr Ward outlines how Irish organisations can benefit from enhancing their cybersecurity efforts.

Cyber Ireland estimates that 10,000 additional jobs could be created within the cybersecurity sector by the end of the decade, offering a significant opportunity for Ireland to take the lead in this critical area.

How do you see the role of people and AI in safeguarding and strengthening Ireland’s cyber leadership?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept — it’s here, reshaping Ireland’s business landscape at an unprecedented pace.

From healthcare to finance, transportation to manufacturing, Generative AI (GenAI) is solving complex challenges and informing better decision-making. The shift towards accelerated computing is also revolutionising productivity levels, much like the industrial revolution, with potential gains of 20-40%.

Through the growing use of AI in computers and other devices, AI is also modernising the workplace, enabling employees to focus on higher-value tasks.

According to the Dell Technologies Generative AI Pulse Survey, 76% of IT leaders believe that GenAI will have a significant, if not transformative, impact on their organisations.

But, as GenAI continues to evolve and develop, so does its impact — for both cybersecurity and cybercrime.

GenAI has emerged as a double-edged sword in the cybersecurity landscape. It holds immense promise as a powerful tool to enhance data protection and threat detection, yet it also opens new avenues for cybercriminals.

What do you consider to be some of the main evolving cyber threats?

Over recent months, we have seen several high-profile cyber incidents both here in Ireland and globally that reinforce the need for organisations in both the public and private sectors to enhance their cyber resilience in our AI era.

SMEs are particularly vulnerable to attack. According to the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau, the number of ransomware attacks targeted at SMEs continued to grow last year.

Infected emails and email links, fraudulent websites, and fake invoice payment requests from suppliers are some of the ways in which SMEs are being targeted. With the growing volume of data which need to be kept secured, many SMEs feel overwhelmed.

The Cyber Security Review Grant unveiled by Enterprise Ireland and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) last month is a positive first step in enhancing the cyber resilience of the Irish business community.

Is Dell Technologies Ireland seeing a rise in companies enhancing their AI strengthening cyber resilience?

Yes, we’re seeing businesses increasingly turn to advanced technology to double down on their resilience. The days of relying solely on traditional firewalls and antivirus software are over.

GenAI is increasingly being used to detect threats faster, predict potential cyber-attacks and automate security processes. Our latest Innovation Catalysts Study revealed that 3 in 4 organisations in Ireland now use automated tools to detect and respond to cyber threats. This powerful technology is also helping organisations to adopt a Zero Trust model. Instead of assuming that anyone working inside your network is trustworthy, this model ensures that access to data and systems is continually verified and detecting unusual behaviour.

When AI identifies suspicious activity, it can initiate recovery protocols automatically, such as securing critical data in a Cyber Recovery Vault—a highly secure and isolated repository for critical information.

This level of automation significantly reduces downtime, allowing businesses to recover more quickly from cyberattacks and resume normal operations with minimal disruption. 

What role will employees play in making their companies more cyber resilient?

Cybersecurity isn't just about technology; it’s fundamentally about the people who use and safeguard it.

While AI and advances system provide defence against cyber threats, they are only as effective as the individuals who implement, manage, and interact with them.

Human error remains one of the leading causes of data breaches, making it essential to empower employees to be the first line of defence.

This is where robust cybersecurity training comes into play. It can help change user behaviour by fostering a culture of vigilance and responsibility. By educating employees on best practices and the threats they are likely to face during their working day, organisations can significantly reduce the likelihood of breaches.

AI can also play a helping hand. The technology can be used to tailor and personalise cybersecurity training programmes depending on an employee’s role, access level, and previous interactions. This ensures that high-risk users receive the training that they need, when they need it.

What is your key message to business leaders in relation to protecting and enhancing Ireland’s AI leadership?

As we mark the end of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it is vital that leaders in every organisation understand the cyber threats they face and place a greater emphasis on building cyber resilience in the AI era.

Cyber Ireland estimates that 10,000 additional jobs could be created within the cybersecurity sector by the end of the decade, offering a significant opportunity for Ireland to take the lead in this critical area.

By enhancing their cyber resilience, Irish firms can not only safeguard their operations but also position the country as a global leader in cybersecurity, particularly as AI becomes more integrated across industries.

The Government’s National AI Strategy points out that a strong approach to security is key to maximising trust in AI and a key ingredient to strengthening Ireland’s position as a global leader in AI-driven innovation. Furthermore, as businesses face new obligations under the EU’s Network and Information Security Directive, the need to prioritise cyber defences has never been more urgent. 

At Dell Technologies Ireland, our team of experts are building the next generation cybersecurity solutions and essential infrastructure for organisations to protect their most important information assets.

But, as cyber threats become more sophisticated and costly, employees must be empowered to become the front line of their cyber defence.

By continually fostering a culture of cyber resilience that leverages the power of AI and other emerging technologies while equipping people with the necessary cybersecurity skills, businesses—small, medium, and large—can stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.