Author: Ciara Tolan

NI Business Leaders Urged To Take Greater Responsibility For Cyber Security

Posted on February 27, 2026 by - Blog

Northern Ireland’s business leaders have been urged to take greater responsibility for cyber security at a major new industry event hosted by Leaf IT in collaboration with Belfast Chamber.

The call to action was delivered at Belfast Cyber Expo 2026, held at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park and attended by over 150 delegates. Under the theme Securing the Future: AI, Risk & Resilience, the inaugural Expo brought together business leaders, IT professionals and cyber security specialists to examine the rapidly evolving threat landscape and the governance challenges emerging alongside accelerated artificial intelligence adoption.

Clare Guinness, CEO at Belfast Chamber, commented:
“Across many organisations cyber security has been treated as the sole preserve of IT departments, but safeguarding a business against digital threats is a responsibility that must be owned at leadership level.

“Events such as this provide an essential platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing and practical guidance, ensuring that Northern Ireland businesses are equipped to operate securely and competitively in an increasingly complex digital world.”

Recent statistics highlighted at the Expo reflect the urgency of the issue. Global ransomware attacks increased by 43% year-on-year, while phishing attacks rose by 1,200% in 2025, driven largely by AI-powered social engineering tactics, according to the World Economic Forum. Closer to home, the UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025 found that 43% of businesses and 30% of charities experienced a cyber security breach or attack in the past 12 months.

At the same time, AI adoption has surged to 88% among Northern Ireland businesses, raising significant governance and risk considerations. Despite this widespread uptake, 62% of organisations have no formal AI usage policy in place, and 30% actively encourage staff to experiment with freely available AI tools, contributing to the growth of so-called “shadow AI” practices.

Alongside keynote presentations, the Expo featured hands-on product demonstrations, specialist breakout sessions and structured networking opportunities, each designed to provide practical, actionable insight to strengthen security posture and embed more robust AI governance frameworks.

Andrew Johnston, Managing Director at Leaf IT, added:
“Our objective in hosting this inaugural Expo was to bring global expertise to Northern Ireland and provide businesses with clear, practical steps they can take to manage risk effectively.

“The level of engagement on the day demonstrated that organisations recognise the urgency of this issue and are committed to strengthening their approach to cybersecurity.”

Make 2026 the Year Your Business Strengthens Cyber Security

Posted on January 14, 2026 by - Blog

Cyber security resolutions are essential. Ignoring them can lead to serious consequences. Here’s why prioritising cyber security in 2026 is a must for every organisation. 

 

Cyber Threats Are Growing and No Business Is Immune 

Cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated every year. Hackers use advanced techniques to target businesses of all sizes and industries. 

Delaying security upgrades or ignoring cyber security measures leaves your organisation vulnerable to: 

  • Ransomware attacks 
  • Phishing scams 
  • Data breaches 

Every day a resolution is ignored is another day your business remains at risk. 

 

The High Cost of Ignoring Cyber Security 

The financial impact of a cyber attack can be devastating. Businesses that neglect cyber security risk heavy fines and regulatory penalties, costly recovery and remediation expenses, and long-term reputational damage.

Customers are highly sensitive to data breaches, and failing to protect their information can result in lost trust, which is difficult to regain.

 

Compliance and Data Protection 

Data protection laws are stricter than ever. Ignoring cyber security commitments can lead to non-compliance, legal issues, and financial penalties. 

Investing in cyber security measures is not only about avoiding fines. It also demonstrates accountability, builds stakeholder confidence, and strengthens customer trust. 

 

Cyber Resilience Starts with Prevention 

Your digital infrastructure is the backbone of modern business. A cyber attack can: 

  • Halt operations 
  • Disrupt supply chains 
  • Erode customer confidence 

Preventative actions like security audits, staff training, and implementing advanced technologies are far more cost-effective than dealing with the aftermath of a cyber attack. 

 

Learn from Experts at the Belfast Cyber Expo 

For business leaders and IT administrators serious about keeping their cyber security resolutions in 2026, the Leaf-IT Belfast Cyber Expo is an unmissable event. 

Date: 26th February 2026
Location: Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park
More info & tickets: belfastcyberexpo.com 

The expo brings together top cyber security experts to provide: 

  • Actionable strategies for incident response and threat detection 
  • Real-world examples of successful cyber defence 
  • Networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders 
  • Insights into the latest cyber security trends and technologies 

Attending this event transforms a New Year’s resolution into lasting cyber resilience. 

 

Make Cyber Security Your 2026 Resolution 

New Year’s resolutions are about setting intentions and making meaningful changes. In 2026, businesses should commit to prioritising cyber security and, most importantly, keeping that promise.

By staying committed, organisations can safeguard their future, build lasting trust with customers and partners, and protect their ambitions from preventable threats.

In cyber security, a kept promise is the strongest line of defence.

Leaf IT Recognised as Highly Commended for IT Project of the Year at the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2025

Posted on January 5, 2026 by - Blog

 

A group of five Leaf IT employees dressed formally, standing together and smiling at the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2025 event backdrop, featuring various sponsor logos.

Celebrating success at the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2025 with the Leaf IT team.

 

Leaf IT is proud to have been Highly Commended in the IT Project of the Year category at the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2025. This recognition reflects the innovation, impact, and dedication our team brings to every project, and reinforces why organisations across Northern Ireland and beyond trust us as partners for security, productivity, and growth.

Driving Real Results Through Partnership

The project behind this recognition was delivered with NOW Group, a social enterprise supporting people with learning difficulties and autism into sustainable employment. Leaf IT helped the organisation modernise their digital systems, improve collaboration, and streamline reporting, creating a platform that saves time, improves efficiency, and supports informed decision-making.

This project highlights how Leaf IT combines technology with practical solutions, ensuring organisations can work more effectively today while building a foundation for future growth.

Why This Recognition Matters

Being Highly Commended in a category as competitive as IT Project of the Year highlights Leaf IT’s ability to deliver innovative, high-impact solutions. It reflects the quality of our technical expertise, the strength of our client partnerships, and our commitment to outcomes that matter.

Trusted Partners Across Northern Ireland and Beyond

Recognition like this reinforce what our clients already know: we approach every project with the same focus on innovation, collaboration, and value. From modern managed services and cloud solutions to cybersecurity and compliance, we help organisations work smarter, safer, and more efficiently.

 

If you’re looking for a trusted IT partner to support your security, productivity, or growth ambitions, Leaf IT is ready to help.

Putting Clients First: Leaf IT Wins Customer Service Excellence Award

Posted on January 5, 2026 by - Blog

A group of three Leaf IT employees dressed formally, standing together and smiling at the 2025 Belfast Chamber Business Awards event backdrop, featuring various sponsor logos.

Leaf IT proudly accepting the Customer Service Excellence Award at the 2025 Belfast Chamber Business Awards.

Leaf IT is proud to have been awarded the Customer Service Excellence Award at the 2025 Belfast Chamber Business Awards. This recognition celebrates the dedication, consistency, and care that runs through every part of our business, from technical support and account management to marketing, operations, and beyond.

Putting Customer Service at the Core

Winning the Customer Service Excellence Award reflects how Leaf IT approaches every client relationship. Our model is built around listening to clients, understanding their unique needs, and providing practical solutions that enhance productivity, security, and growth.

From our Service Desk to Account Management, we ensure that clients receive direct access to experienced resources who can resolve issues quickly and provide trusted advice. Internal communication, ongoing training, and staff engagement ensure that every team member understands the importance of client satisfaction and is equipped to deliver it consistently.

Why Businesses Trust Leaf IT

This award reinforces Leaf IT’s reputation as a trusted IT partner. Businesses choose us because we combine technical expertise with an unwavering commitment to service, ensuring solutions are tailored to their operations, staff, and growth ambitions.

Recognition at this level reflects the hard work, collaboration, and consistency of our team, and it highlights the value we bring to organisations across Northern Ireland and beyond.

 

For businesses looking for IT partners who prioritise security, productivity, and growth while delivering exceptional service, Leaf IT is ready to help.