IRISSCON 2025: The Human Factor in Cybersecurity
▼ Summary
– IRISSCON 2025 will focus on the human factor in cybersecurity, addressing its role in recent high-profile breaches affecting global brands.
– The conference brings together cybersecurity professionals, researchers, and law enforcement to discuss challenges and trends, with this year’s theme reflecting industry concerns.
– According to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report 2025, the human factor was involved in 60% of cases from over 22,000 security incidents.
– Sessions will explore how people can be both a security risk and a defense line, featuring experts on manipulation, cybercrime investigations, and human risk management.
– The event will also cover the impact of artificial intelligence on cybersecurity, including AI-driven attacks, defense strategies, and ethical considerations.
The upcoming IRISSCON 2025 conference, scheduled for November 5 at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, will place a sharp focus on the human factor in cybersecurity, a critical element connecting many recent high-profile breaches affecting major global corporations. Now in its sixteenth year, this premier gathering unites cybersecurity professionals, academic researchers, and law enforcement specialists to address the most pressing digital security issues and emerging trends.
This year’s theme, “The Human Factor in Cybersecurity,” responds directly to industry-wide concern following significant security incidents at companies including Marks & Spencer, Jaguar Land Rover, and The Co-Op. According to the widely cited Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report 2025, human involvement was identified in 60% of analyzed security incidents, a statistic derived from over 22,000 security events and 12,195 confirmed data breaches.
The conference will thoroughly investigate how individuals, not just technological weaknesses, represent both a major vulnerability and a powerful defensive asset for organizations. Attendees can expect sessions that explore the psychological, behavioral, and operational dimensions of security, featuring presentations from a diverse lineup of experts.
Jenny Radcliffe, a well-known social engineer often called a “People Hacker,” will share her expertise on manipulation techniques used in cybersecurity attacks. Joe Tidy, the BBC Cyber Correspondent and author of CTRL ALT Chaos, will present compelling human narratives from real-world cybercrime investigations. Regina Bluman, serving as Business Information Security Officer at Marks & Spencer, will offer practical insights into managing human-related security risks within large corporate environments. Mick Moran, CEO of the Irish Internet Hotline and a former specialist with Europol, will discuss human factors in the context of online child protection and digital forensic investigations.
Beyond human behavior, IRISSCON 2025 will also examine the growing influence of artificial intelligence on cybersecurity. Discussions will cover AI-powered attack methods, corresponding defense strategies, and the ethical deployment of intelligent systems during incident response operations.
Additional confirmed speakers include Wendy Nather from 1Password, Dr. Hazel Murray of Munster Technological University, Daniele Catteddu from the Cloud Security Alliance, and representatives from Ireland’s National Cyber Security Centre and the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau.
Brian Honan, founder and head of IRISSCERT, emphasized the enduring importance of human behavior in security. “While technology keeps advancing, human actions continue to be central to most security incidents,” he noted. “This year’s IRISSCON is designed to help organizations better comprehend, manage, and mitigate human risk, especially as artificial intelligence starts to magnify both the potential benefits and dangers within the cybersecurity domain.”
Registration for the full-day IRISSCON 2025 event is currently available for €50. The conference offers participants a valuable opportunity for meaningful dialogue, professional networking, and gaining practical knowledge essential for those responsible for protecting Ireland’s digital infrastructure.
(Source: HelpNet Security)
