Derry-born cyber security expert Robbie O’Brien, co-founder of Safe Harbour Security, has warned that artificial intelligence has shifted the balance in favour of online criminals. He states that AI particularly targets small and medium enterprises in an automated cybercrime environment.

Mr O’Brien explains that AI lowers the skill barrier for cybercriminals, increases scale and precision, and removes human errors that previously exposed scams. This has turned cybercrime into a mass-production system operated by well-funded and organised groups. AI enables the generation of convincing phishing emails, impersonation fraud, and ransomware campaigns at speed.

He notes that small and medium enterprises face these threats largely alone, as government agencies are overstretched and prioritise their own systems. Many SMEs rely on outdated defences, such as checking for poor language in phishing emails, which AI has made ineffective. Automated attacks are increasing weekly, with many businesses unaware until after an incident.

Mr O’Brien states that a single breach can stop cashflow, disrupt systems, and damage reputation, making cyber security essential for SME survival. Safe Harbour Security is hosting free briefings titled Cyber Security For Dummies - The SME Survival Briefing to provide clarity and practical tips without jargon.

The events are scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, at the Catalyst building in Derry from 10:00am to 10:45am, and Thursday, March 26, at the Catalyst building in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter from 10:00am to 10:45am. Sessions include light breakfast, refreshments, actionable steps for SMEs, and demonstrations by a former black-hat hacker now working as an ethical security specialist.