- Research from IT.ie and SonicWall also found that 35% have actively sought out private information about a colleague, client, or customer from a work computer system
- 38% have engaged with a scammer either intentionally or unintentionally
- One in four have sent an angry response to someone they presumed to be a scammer
- 17% say they have either duped, or attempted to dupe, an online scammer contacting them in the workplace
XX August 2025: IT.ie, a leading Irish IT managed services company, today announces new survey results which reveal the prevalence of insider-threats within Irish businesses with 30% of office workers admitting that they have tried to gain access to a colleague’s device without their permission in the last 12 months.
The research also found that 35% of employees have actively sought out private information about a colleague, client, or customer such as their age, salary, CV or home address, from a work computer system.
The research of 1,000 office workers based in Ireland was carried out by Censuswide on behalf of IT.ie and SonicWall, a global leader in cybersecurity innovation. It forms part of IT.ie and SonicWall’s ‘Cyberpulse Ireland 2025’ report, which explores the cyberthreat landscape in Ireland, according to the sentiment and behaviours of employees.
Alongside the above high-risk behaviours, the survey also showed that a cohort of office workers may see themselves as internet sleuths, possibly influenced by viral online videos featuring content creators who try to outsmart online scammers. Almost two-in-five (38%) have engaged with a scammer – intentionally or unintentionally at work in the last 12 months, while one in four have sent an angry response to someone who they presumed to be a scammer. Furthermore, 17% say they have either duped, or attempted to dupe, an online scammer.
Concerningly, 17% have engaged with a scammer to try to convince them not to target the business – an approach that still carries significant risk.
Eamon Gallagher, Founder and Managing Director, IT.ie, said: “The report highlights some troubling behaviours among office workers that has the potential to expose businesses to considerable risk. While some employees, particularly from the younger cohort, attempt to challenge, outsmart, or reason with scammers, cybercriminals will often capitalise on their efforts, using manipulation tactics that leave the organisation more vulnerable to compromise.
“This behaviour is similar to that of those who attempt to gain access to their colleague’s device or are seeking out their personal information. While their actions may not always stem from malicious intent, it does represent a breakdown in boundaries and data responsibility.
“While these findings may raise concerns, they ultimately represent a valuable opportunity for businesses. By investing in employee training and onboarding, strengthening internal policies, implementing more robust access controls, and creating better cybersecurity awareness, organisations can address these vulnerabilities head-on. At the end of the day, a company’s cybersecurity is only as strong as its least prepared employee.”
Stuart Taylor, Senior Director of Regional Sales for Northern Europe, SonicWall said: “These findings are a stark reminder that the greatest risks often come from within the organisation, not intentionally, but through curiosity, complacency, or even misplaced confidence.
“Every click and every login matters. That’s why businesses need layered security that combines zero-trust principles, strong access controls, and continuous user education. Technology alone isn’t enough; it has to work hand-in-hand with clear policies and a culture of accountability. When employees understand the ‘why’ behind security and organisations enforce the ‘how’ through smart solutions, you close the gaps that attackers are so quick to exploit.”
-ENDS-
About the survey
The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 1,000 office workers in the Republic of Ireland (aged 18+). Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
About IT.ie
Established in 2004 by Eamon Gallagher, IT.ie has built a reputation for delivering Managed IT Services to businesses that expect more from their technology partners. Renowned for their exceptional customer experience, IT.ie combines proactive support with industry-leading customer service. With a commitment to providing secure, innovative solutions, IT.ie is recognised as the trusted provider of Managed IT Services, Cloud Solutions, and Cyber Security, to organisations throughout Ireland.
About SonicWall
SonicWall is a cybersecurity forerunner with more than 30 years of expertise and is recognized as a leading partner-first company. With the ability to build, scale and manage security across the cloud, hybrid and traditional environments in real-time, SonicWall provides seamless protection against the most evasive cyberattacks across endless exposure points for increasingly remote, mobile and cloud-enabled users. With its own threat research centre, SonicWall can quickly and economically provide purpose-built security solutions to enable any organization—enterprise, government agencies and SMBs—around the world. For more information, visit www.sonicwall.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
