Cybersecurity professionals from Northern Ireland gathered at Titanic Belfast on February 13 for Check Point Software’s second Cyber Leader Summit, with a focus on strengthening the region’s digital defences. The event aimed to bring together government officials, business leaders, and security experts to address cyber threats, resilience strategies, and the future of cybersecurity in the area.
The summit kicked off with opening remarks from Seamus McCorry, Check Point Software’s Country Manager for Ireland, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in bolstering cybersecurity efforts. This set the stage for a keynote address from Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Minister for the Economy, who highlighted Belfast’s growth as a cybersecurity hub. She noted that the city has attracted over 120 national and international companies with cyber teams, supported by initiatives like the Founder Labs programme and the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre.
Dr. Archibald applauded Belfast as the number one destination for American foreign direct investment in cybersecurity and stressed the city’s role in driving economic development across the region. She outlined government plans to support the industry’s growth, innovation, and competitiveness through collaboration with the private sector.
Throughout the summit, expert-led discussions delved into cybersecurity trends and challenges. Deryck Mitchelson, Check Point Software’s Head of the Global CISO Team, provided insights into the current threat landscape and the importance of proactive defence measures. Kieron McCorry from Microsoft shared strategies for navigating the cybersecurity landscape in Ireland, while Neil Redmond from PwC discussed regulatory developments and compliance challenges.
A significant session focused on the impact of AI in cybersecurity, led by Charlotte Wilson from Check Point Software. The discussion highlighted the importance of addressing AI diversity and bias in security operations as artificial intelligence continues to shape the industry.
A panel discussion on Northern Ireland’s cybersecurity landscape, moderated by Deryck Mitchelson, featured industry experts exploring the region’s evolving threats, regulatory changes, and the skills gap in cybersecurity. The panel emphasized the need for collaboration between businesses, academia, and government to drive innovation and mitigate risks.
Attendees also had the chance to participate in interactive demonstrations showcasing Check Point’s security solutions, including advancements in endpoint, network, and cloud security. The event concluded with Seamus McCorry reaffirming Check Point’s commitment to enhancing digital resilience across Ireland and proactively addressing future risks.
The Belfast summit marks a significant step in Check Point Software’s efforts to strengthen cybersecurity collaboration in Ireland, ensuring organizations are well-protected in an increasingly complex digital landscape. The event brought together key stakeholders to address pressing cyber threats, share insights, and build connections to enhance the region’s cybersecurity posture.