Keynote at a high-profile cyber summit in Dublin
Former Ireland rugby captain Brian O’Driscoll was the keynote speaker at a Dublin cybersecurity conference that drew attention not only for its agenda but also for the controversy surrounding its links to an Israeli company and figures associated with Israel’s security services. The Cyber Leader Summit Dublin 2025, hosted by Check Point, took place at the five-star Westbury Hotel in Dublin city centre, with attendees including security professionals, policy thinkers, and industry representatives.
What the event aimed to highlight
Promotional notes for the summit described O’Driscoll as drawing parallels between elite rugby and cyber defence. The message framed teamwork, resilience, and strategic thinking as essential on the digital front lines just as on the rugby pitch. The appearance of O’Driscoll, a national sporting figure, was intended to humanize and illuminate how high-performance teamwork translates into cyber resilience, incident response, and long-term security strategy.
Controversy and questions about links
Among the attendees was Yochai Corem, a former intelligence officer from Israel’s Unit 8200. Unit 8200’s role in intelligence gathering and cyber operations has been the subject of public debate, and Corem’s presence at the event intensified scrutiny about the conference’s ties. Critics highlighted top-level connections between Check Point—an internationally operating cybersecurity company with offices in Tel Aviv and California—and Israeli military and security establishments. The criticism was notably voiced by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which argued that the event’s association with Israeli security links positioned the conference at odds with broader solidarity movements.
Public order and police response
Gardaí were called to the scene outside the Westbury Hotel around 3:30 pm amid a public order incident as protesters gathered near the venue. Officials reported that tensions remained controlled and that those involved dispersed peacefully; no arrests were made. The incident underscored how public fora for industry discourse can become flashpoints when geopolitical sensitivities intersect with corporate and cultural sponsorships.
Industry reactions and consequences
Check Point issued a brief statement confirming that the event proceeded but offered no further comment on the incident. The company’s reticence has left industry observers weighing the trade-offs between hosting influential cybersecurity discussions and managing reputational risk related to geopolitical associations. For participants, the summit promised insights into cyber strategy, threat intelligence, and the evolving role of AI in security operations, including debates about how best to defend critical infrastructure against a spectrum of digital threats.
What this means for future tech events in a changing geopolitical landscape
As cybersecurity conferences increasingly attract global attendees and speakers with diverse backgrounds, organizers are navigating heightened scrutiny over sponsorships, affiliations, and speaker selections. The Dublin summit illustrates the tension between open dialogue on cyber defences and the political overtones that accompany corporate relationships in international markets. Attendees and industry watchers are likely to demand greater transparency from conference organizers about funding sources, partnerships, and the potential implications of high-profile appearances when sensitive geopolitical topics are in the spotlight.
Bottom line
The Dublin Cyber Leader Summit highlighted the dual realities of the cybersecurity field: the drive to share knowledge and strengthen defences, alongside the challenges of public perception and geopolitical sensitivity. Brian O’Driscoll’s role as keynote speaker drew wide attention, while Gardaí’ response to protests reflected the importance of maintaining public order at major industry events. As cyber threats evolve, these gatherings will continue to shape not only technical discourse but also the conversations surrounding ethics, sponsorship, and international relations in tech.
