Cyber security expert Robbie O’Brien says escalating global conflict is increasing the risk of cyber attacks on SMEs across Northern Ireland, with smaller firms exposed to what he describes as “cyber spillover” from wider campaigns.
The founder of Safe Harbour Security and former CEO of Northern Ireland’s biggest cyber security firm, MetaCompliance, says rising geopolitical tensions are driving an increase in cyber activity globally, creating an unprecedented threat environment.
The warning follows new advice from the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre urging organisations to strengthen their defences amid growing instability in the Middle East.
READ MORE: Northern Ireland deserves its place on the global stage - deputy First Minister
“We’re now seeing a convergence of threats. Nation state activity, politically motivated groups and organised cyber criminals are all operating in the same space — and that increases the overall level of risk for everyone,” Mr O’Brien explains.
He says that while most SMEs are not directly targeted by nation states, they are increasingly exposed as the threat landscape expands.
“Most SMEs won’t be directly targeted by nation states. But they are increasingly caught in the spillover — whether that’s automated attacks, supply chain exposure or opportunistic campaigns that don’t discriminate.”
He adds that artificial intelligence is accelerating the scale and sophistication of these threats.
“AI has already lowered the barrier to cybercrime. Now, layered on top of global conflict, we’re seeing a rapid escalation in both the volume and sophistication of attacks.”
This combination, he said, is creating a “perfect storm” for SMEs.
“Large organisations have the resources to defend themselves. SMEs often don’t. That makes them far more exposed when the overall threat level rises.”
As large-scale cyber campaigns expand, smaller businesses are often affected indirectly, either through automated attacks or as weaker links in broader supply chains.
“Many SMEs assume they’re too small to be targeted. They’re often the easiest way in — or the ones left exposed when attacks scale out.”
Mr O’Brien warns that many businesses may not realise they are already vulnerable.
“Most only discover their vulnerabilities after an incident. By that stage, the damage is already done.”
In response to the escalating cyber threat landscape, Safe Harbour Security is hosting a live webinar on Tuesday, March 24 at 10am aimed at helping SME business leaders understand the risks and take practical steps to protect their organisations.
The session will focus on clear, actionable measures businesses can implement immediately to reduce exposure and strengthen resilience, without requiring enterprise-level budgets or in-house cyber teams.
‘Cyber Security For Dummies — The SME Survival Briefing’ live webinar will be delivered by Mr O’Brien and his team, alongside a guest ethical hacker and former black-hat operator who will demonstrate how modern attack techniques can cripple small businesses.
To register or find more information, click here.
Read the Spring 2026 edition free online →
Stay connected with NI's tech community:
