Six in 10 Irish SMEs have experienced cyber attacks this year, including data breaches (20%) and phishing scams (17%), according to research from Samsung.

With a heightened concern for cybersecurity and remote working creating bigger security risks, three in five respondents (59%) see in-built security features in their mobile device as a key consideration when investing in mobile technology.

When investing in technology, 31% of respondents agreed they would like a device that could cater to work and personal use, but many remain concerned about the sharing of company data.

Some 42% of SMEs do not allow employees to download business data onto their mobile devices, and 43% view a potential data breach as their biggest concern.

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“SMEs in Ireland are worrying more about cybersecurity than ever before. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, many industries are capitalising on hybrid work, which has put a new lens on cybersecurity for SME leaders," said Adrian McInerney, general manger of Samsung's enterprise business in Ireland.

"Security is now as big of a consideration as a good camera, it needs to be on par with functionality. Smaller businesses fall into a trap of not investing in their security. The investment in defences is the first step in stopping bad actors from hacking your technology."

The survey of 250 small and medium-sized companies in Ireland, conducted for the tech giant by 3Gem, found 66% of firms believe their ability to work on the move is a key benefit of their mobile devices.

Similarly, two-thirds (66%) of respondents said that their laptop makes them feel most productive in work, while the remaining third (33%) choose smartphones or tablets for productivity.

Half of business leaders said they want a work device that connects to other devices such as their television or laptop, and 45% want a mobile phone that can operate multiple apps on screen at one time.

"From the research we can see a clear correlation between businesses purchasing decisions and their shift to working on-the-go," said McInerney.

"From the research over thirty per cent (32%) of Irish SME’s are upgrading their work smartphones every 18 months.

"They are looking for devices that will suit the new work habits including more portable technology for working on the move and enhanced productivity features."

(Pic: Getty Images)