Cyber security: The cornerstone of Britain’s future prosperity and defence
The United Kingdom’s national security and economic vitality are increasingly intertwined with robust cyber defences. The 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR) underscores this reality, highlighting cyber security as a pivotal element in safeguarding the nation’s interests.
The evolving threat landscape
The SDR identifies cyber attacks as a pressing concern, with 89 significant incidents recorded in a single year. These threats often come from hostile states, terrorist groups, and criminal networks, targeting critical national infrastructure and businesses alike. We’ll of course all remember the recent attacks on M & S and Adidas, and inrecent days also North Face and Cartier. However similar attacks take aim at national infrastructure and the nation’s defences.
The establishment of the new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command reflects the government’s commitment to countering these challenges through enhanced capabilities and readiness. With £1 billion of funding, this is in direct response to these increased threats.
Furthermore, the government’s initiative to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with a focus on advanced technologies such as AI and cyber capabilities, underscores the strategic importance of cybersecurity in national policy.
Implications for UK businesses
The ramifications of cyber threats extend beyond national defence, posing significant risks to the private sector. The proposed Cyber Security and Resilience Bill aims to fortify the UK’s digital infrastructure by expanding regulatory frameworks, mandating incident reporting, and enhancing oversight.
Approximately 1,000 organisations, including managed service providers and data centre operators, will be required to bolster their cyber defences after the likes of last year’s NHS ransomware attacks.
For many businesses, regulations like this can be a challenge. Having access to the right skilled professionals, either internally or externally will enable your business to remain compliant and cyber secure.
A significant challenge in enhancing cyber security lies in the shortage of skilled professionals. The Ministry of Defence acknowledges a recruitment and retention crisis, particularly in cyber roles. Efforts are underway to expand the cyber workforce through direct entry routes and specialised training programmes.
Shoothill: Your Partner in cyber resilience
Businesses require trusted partners to navigate the complexities of cyber security. Shoothill stands at the forefront, offering tailored solutions to protect your organisation against evolving threats. With a deep understanding of the UK’s cyber landscape and a commitment to innovation, Shoothill empowers businesses to build resilience and secure their digital assets.
As the UK fortifies its cyber defences, working with experts like Shoothill ensures your business remains protected and poised for success in the digital age.
Looking for a partner in cyber security? Speak with Shoothill today.
☎️ 01743 636300 📧[email protected]
🌐 To get a taste of our work visit us at www.shoothill.com