Bridging the cyber security gap in Britain
Demand for skilled IT professionals has been lagging behind supply in the UK for some time, but when it comes to having the right cyber defenses in place, this can be a problem for businesses. In a new report, GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) is already being used in malicious cyber activity and will almost certainly increase the volume and impact of cyber attacks – including ransomware – in the near term. enlarge.
As the NCSC urges organizations and individuals to implement protective measures, business leaders are under pressure to improve their cybersecurity postures, and quickly. Finding cybersecurity professionals with the right skills to fill these roles is a challenge. However, demand exceeds the supply of skilled talent. And if we can close the skills gap in the short term – are UK businesses set up for success?
Why cybersecurity should be the top priority
Cybersecurity is of course a global issue. With attacks affecting such a large number of businesses, it is unsurprising that the Kyndryl Readiness Report highlights a significant gap in preparedness in the UK’s IT infrastructure.
While many UK business leaders are confident in their IT capabilities, only 39% believe their infrastructure is prepared to manage future risks. Aging infrastructure, with nearly half of critical components reaching end of life, not only fails to support emerging technologies but also poses cybersecurity risks. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, legacy systems become prime targets while security vulnerabilities escalate.
The report highlights cyber security as the top concern among UK executives, with 70% expressing concern about cyber attacks and less than a third (33%) confident in their current cyber security preparedness. Legacy systems, which many UK businesses still rely on, make it difficult to implement advanced security measures, leaving organizations vulnerable. The rapid rise of AI-powered threats, coupled with end-of-life infrastructure, is exacerbating security concerns, making cybersecurity a critical area for improvement.
How Britain’s skills gap is worsening the security problem
The report highlights a crucial skills gap in the UK technology sector, which is another barrier to infrastructure preparedness. More than 40% of business leaders cite a shortage of IT talent, especially in AI, Machine Learning and Automation, and 20% cite a lack of cybersecurity and data policies as a barrier to digital transformation. This skills shortage is hindering the adoption of modern technologies and preventing organizations from taking full advantage of emerging cyber defense mechanisms. As technological advances outpace training programs, closing this gap becomes essential to Britain’s IT resilience and security.
Raising the bar in cyber defense
Britain’s cyber security landscape is rapidly evolving, with new threats such as AI-driven attacks and the increasing frequency of ransomware making the need for robust cyber defenses more urgent. Yet the challenge extends beyond technology alone. A lack of skilled cyber security professionals, outdated infrastructure and the complexity of integrating modern defense tools are all putting UK businesses at risk.
To close the readiness gap, business leaders must prioritize investments in both infrastructure and workforce development. This means not only upgrading legacy systems, but also building a culture of continuous learning and upskilling in cybersecurity and IT. Collaboration with educational institutions, investments in AI and threat detection tools, and a proactive approach to replacing legacy systems will be essential to stay ahead of threats.
Ultimately, achieving cybersecurity resilience requires a holistic approach, one that combines technology, talent and a forward-thinking strategy. By tackling these intertwined challenges, UK businesses can strengthen their defenses and prepare for the future of digital security.
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