Russian cybersecurity player Kaspersky Lab is to create 50 jobs in Dublin as part of a $5m investment in its first European R&D centre.
The Moscow-headquartered Kaspersky Lab will create 50 new roles in the next four years, focused on developing data analysis and machine-learning technologies for the company’s enterprise solutions offering.
The team will be responsible for core parts of new Kaspersky Lab solutions, focused on targeted attack detection and investigation.
Kaspersky Lab has appointed Keith Waters as head of engineering to lead the development team in Ireland.
‘Ireland is a leading location for companies dedicated to fighting cybercrime. The top five worldwide security software companies in this sector are now based here’
– MARTIN SHANAHAN, IDA IRELAND
“Dublin was an obvious choice for the company’s first European R&D office, owing to the quality and density of tech talent there and, of course, the city’s vibrant and appealing living conditions,” explained Nikita Shvetsov, chief technology officer at Kaspersky Lab.
Kaspersky Lab said it chose to locate in Dublin due to its growing reputation as a major European tech hub, providing access to a highly skilled IT talent pool and a strong network of innovative technology companies.
“Locating the office in Dublin is a great opportunity for us to increase our collaboration with other international IT companies, especially as the city is becoming known as the Silicon Valley of Europe,” Shvetsov said.
Established in Moscow by Eugene Kaspersky in 1997, the company now employs 3,000 people worldwide and, last year, reported revenues of around $619m.
Ireland is a cybersecurity hotbed
“Ireland is a leading location for companies dedicated to fighting cybercrime. The top five worldwide security software companies in this sector are now based here,” said Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA Ireland.
“The ‘collaboration culture’ that exists here between industry leaders and research centres is enabling Ireland to develop as a world-class cybersecurity practice and innovation hub.
“Today’s announcement by Kaspersky Lab will strengthen Ireland’s business ties and open doors to attract further investment by Russian companies.”
Taoiseach Enda Kenny, TD, agreed with Shanahan that the investment was an endorsement of Ireland as a hotbed for cybersecurity.
“The breadth and scope of the skills needs in this area are well recognised by Government, and the new Strategy for Education and Skills will seek to ensure that IT and digital skills are a key part of all levels of the education system,” the Taoiseach said.
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Moscow image via Shutterstock
