5 Critical Procurement Risks Every UK Cyber Leader Must Address
5 Critical Procurement Risks Every UK Cyber Leader Must Address In today’s rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, organisations face an unprecedented convergence of sophisticated threats, accelerating technological change, and increasingly stringent regulatory requirements. Recent high-profile incidents ranging from data privacy investigations involving major platforms to ransomware attacks disrupting global supply chains underscore the critical importance of strategic procurement decisions in cybersecurity. For Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), and business leaders across small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and scale-ups, the procurement process has evolved far beyond simple vendor selection. It now represents a cornerstone of organisational resilience and competitive advantage. The Strategic Imperative of Cybersecurity Procurement Contemporary cybersecurity procurement extends well beyond acquiring tools and technologies. It requires a nuanced understanding of organisational risk profiles, compliance obligations, and budgetary constraints. The 2025 UK Cyber Security Breaches Survey reveals that 43% of small businesses experienced a cyber breach or attack in the previous year, yet many organisations continue to struggle with effective vendor risk assessment and security solution integration. This disconnect between threat reality and procurement practices presents a significant strategic vulnerability that demands immediate attention from cybersecurity leadership. Five Critical Procurement Challenges Facing UK Organisations 1. Navigating Market Saturation and Vendor Differentiation The cybersecurity vendor landscape has become increasingly crowded, making it challenging to distinguish genuinely effective, scalable solutions from those that merely contribute to market noise. Leaders must develop sophisticated evaluation frameworks that cut through marketing rhetoric to identify vendors capable of delivering measurable security outcomes. 2. Balancing Comprehensive Protection with Financial Constraints SMEs and scale-ups face the perpetual challenge of achieving robust cybersecurity posture within realistic budget parameters. This requires strategic prioritisation of security investments based on risk assessment rather than feature comparison. 3. Addressing the Absence of Standardised Evaluation Metrics The lack of consistent, transparent evaluation criteria across the vendor ecosystem complicates informed decision-making. Organisations must develop internal frameworks for vendor assessment that transcend vendor-provided specifications. 4. Responding to Rapidly Evolving Threat Landscapes Recent developments, including kernel-level attacks on Windows systems and Bluetooth vulnerabilities, demonstrate the accelerating pace of threat evolution. Procurement strategies must incorporate flexibility to address emerging risks without constant vendor replacement. 5. Ensuring Seamless Integration and Operational Usability Security solutions must complement existing IT environments without introducing operational complexity that could paradoxically increase security risks through user circumvention or administrative burden. Five Strategic Approaches to Procurement Excellence 1. Implement Risk-Based Procurement Methodologies Align procurement decisions with comprehensive understanding of organisational critical assets and threat exposure. This ensures security investments target the most significant risks rather than pursuing generic security coverage. 2. Demand Transparency and Security Evidence Require vendors to provide substantive security validation, including independent penetration testing results and recognised compliance certifications such as Cyber Essentials. Transparency should extend to incident response capabilities and security update procedures. 3. Leverage Collaborative Procurement Strategies Engage with industry consortia and strategic partnerships to share threat intelligence, pool procurement resources, and negotiate more favourable contract terms. Collective procurement power can drive vendor accountability and innovation. 4. Prioritise Architectural Compatibility Select solutions designed for seamless integration with existing IT infrastructure, minimising operational disruption while maximising security effectiveness. Consider long-term scalability and interoperability requirements. 5. Build Contractual Flexibility Structure vendor agreements to accommodate organisational growth, technological evolution, and emerging threat responses. Include provisions for regular performance reviews and adaptation to changing security requirements. Current Threat Context and Procurement Implications The contemporary threat landscape directly impacts procurement considerations. Sophisticated threat actors continue to demonstrate persistence and innovation, while ransomware groups increasingly target critical infrastructure sectors. Recent developments requiring procurement attention include: Ongoing investigations into data sovereignty and cross-border data handling practices Kernel-level exploits utilising malicious signed drivers Weaponised browser extensions delivering advanced malware Critical Bluetooth protocol vulnerabilities affecting billions of connected devices These developments highlight the intersection between emerging threats and third-party software evaluation, particularly concerning cloud service providers and integrated security platforms. Procurement as a Strategic Security Function Supply chain attacks accounted for over 35% of UK cyber incidents in 2024, demonstrating the critical importance of vendor management in overall security posture. For resource-constrained organisations, procurement decisions can fundamentally determine cybersecurity resilience. Effective cybersecurity procurement requires: Embedded Security Expertise: Integrate cybersecurity professionals directly into procurement teams to ensure technical competence in vendor evaluation. Comprehensive Policy Framework: Establish clear policies that prioritise security considerations throughout the entire procurement lifecycle. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Foster close cooperation between IT, security, and procurement departments to ensure aligned objectives and shared accountability. These measures are essential for minimising supply chain vulnerabilities and maintaining compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks, including the UK Data Protection and Digital Information Bill. Building Future-Ready Procurement Capabilities Looking ahead, UK organisations must develop procurement strategies that emphasise innovation, security, and adaptability. Key considerations include: Dynamic Risk Assessment: Continuously update vendor risk evaluations in response to emerging threats and changing business requirements. Ongoing Professional Development: Invest in training for procurement and security personnel on current cyber risk trends and mitigation strategies. Emerging Technology Integration: Explore advanced technologies such as AI-driven security tools and zero-trust architectures while ensuring these are sourced from reliable, transparent suppliers. Conclusion In an era where cybersecurity resilience increasingly defines competitive advantage, procurement represents a vital enabler of security, trust, and operational continuity. Organisations that fail to address these five critical procurement risks expose themselves to significant security vulnerabilities and potential business disruption. The path forward requires strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement in procurement practices. By addressing these challenges proactively, UK cyber leaders can transform procurement from a operational necessity into a strategic advantage. Latest episode: All you need to know about reshaping procurement, events and community – watch here SECURE Recruitment connects you with the data, AI and security talent needed to put you on the cutting edge of cyber security. Book a confidential chat: https://www.secure-recruitment.com/contact Join the SECURE | CYBER CONNECT community for weekly threat briefings and peer mentoring. Innovate boldly. Govern wisely. Your customers (and regulators) will thank you later.
Databricks AI Governance & Security Frameworks: The Fast-Track Guide for Business, Tech & Security Leaders
Why bother with another framework? AI is sprinting; risk management is jogging. Every week I meet leaders who rave about GenAI pilots yet flinch when I mention shadow models, bias or the looming EU AI Act. Sound familiar? The gap between innovation velocity and governance reality leaves organisations wide-open to data breaches, fines and dented reputations. Enter two battle-tested guides from Databricks that aim to close that gap: Databricks AI Governance Framework (DAGF) – a five-pillar blueprint with 43 actionable checkpoints. Databricks AI Security Framework 2.0 (DASF) – a risk-control playbook mapping 62 security risks to 64 controls across 12 AI system components. Let’s break them down – minus the jargon. Databricks AI Governance Framework (DAGF) What it is: A structured, enterprise-ready roadmap covering everything from strategy and ethics to monitoring and incident response. Five pillars in plain English Pillar What it means for you AI Organisation Clear roles, budgets and KPIs. No more “Who owns this model?” headaches. AI Lifecycle Guardrails for every stage – ideation to retirement. Data & Model Governance Tight lineage, quality gates and audit trails for training data and weights. AI Risk & Compliance Mappings to regulations (EU AI Act, ISO 42001, NIST etc.) baked in. AI Ops & Monitoring Live dashboards, drift alerts and rollback plans. Why care? Gartner says models with built-in trust and security see 50 % higher adoption. AI Security Framework 2.0 (DASF) What’s new in 2.0? 62 clearly defined risks – prompt-injection, data poisoning, jailbreaks, the lot. 64 recommended controls – from policy-as-code to red-team playbooks. Cross-walks to MITRE ATLAS, OWASP LLM Top 10, NIST 800-53 and the EU AI Act. In practice: DASF is your “brakes and seatbelts” while DAGF is the “road rules”. Use them together. Putting DAGF & DASF to work Run an assessment Download the free DASF whitepaper and score each of the 12 components. It reveals quick wins and red flags. Build a cross-functional tiger team Mix legal, security, data and product minds. Give them power to pause releases that break the rules. Map controls to tooling If you already use Unity Catalog, MLflow or Lakehouse governance features, great – line them up against DASF controls. For gaps, shortlist vendors or open-source add-ons. Automate “policy-as-code” Treat guardrails like infrastructure. CI/CD pipelines should fail if a model misses bias tests or lacks lineage metadata. Stress-test with red teaming Use adversarial prompts and data-poisoning drills. Document lessons in your System Security Plan and update continuously. Common board questions (and quick answers) “Will this slow us down?” No – guardrails free teams from reinventing compliance every sprint. “Is this only for Databricks?” Frameworks are platform-agnostic. They map to open standards and can sit on top of any stack. “Where do we start?” Watch our 20-minute breakdown on YouTube, then book a discovery call with our cyber-talent team. Latest episode: All you need to know about DAGF & DASF – watch here Ready to turn governance into a competitive edge? SECURE Recruitment connects you with the data, AI and security talent needed to operationalise DAGF and DASF – from fractional CISOs to model-risk engineers. Book a confidential chat: https://www.secure-recruitment.com/contact Join the SECURE | CYBER CONNECT community for weekly threat briefings and peer mentoring. Innovate boldly. Govern wisely. Your customers (and regulators) will thank you later.
Compliance That Pays Off: Your 2025 Board-Level Playbook
Why the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) Matters Right Now Paper-thin “checkbox” security won’t protect connected products anymore. The CRA pushes for security to be baked into every stage of the lifecycle, then watched like a hawk once devices hit the field. Boards must back Continuous Vulnerability Management and real-time, post-market monitoring – or risk fines and reputational bruises. Good news? Move early and you’ll earn customer trust, stand out from slower rivals and keep regulators off your back. Your next move: Break the silos between Engineering, Legal and Security. Get those teams talking weekly so fixes ship fast and documentation stays clean. Turn System Security Plans (SSPs) into a Living GPS Most organisations write an SSP once, shove it in a drawer and hope for the best. NIST SP 800-18 treats the plan as a living document that guides every security choice. Think of it as GPS for risk – without it you’re driving blind. Keep it fresh. Update after major releases, new suppliers or mergers. Tie each section to a clear owner so nothing falls through the cracks. OT and IoT environments twist the plot further: hidden devices, legacy kit and subcontractors all multiply blind spots. A current SSP shines a light on those weak links before attackers do. Blockchain: Bright Idea or New Attack Surface? Yes, immutable ledgers can slash fraud and light up supply chains – but smart contracts also widen the blast radius if you slip up. Board checklist: Pilot before you parade. Small proofs of concept expose flaws cheaply. Call in specialist auditors. Traditional pen-testers may miss contract logic bugs. Write a kill-switch. If a contract misbehaves, you need a way to yank it offline fast. Treat blockchain as a power tool: brilliant in trained hands, dangerous in a rush. The Invisible Threat Inside OT Recent incidents show attackers walking in via trusted suppliers – or even a rogue Raspberry Pi hidden by an insider. Roll out continuous network monitoring for OT. Log every vendor login and review it weekly. Map every device that touches production before it goes live. Perimeter firewalls alone won’t spot a sleeping implant six switches deep. Know every access point and baseline normal traffic so you can flag anomalies within minutes, not months. Sector Snapshots Sector Key Pressure Points Board Priority NHS & Healthcare “Digital by default” drives a surge in connected care devices. Patient data is a jackpot. Demand device-level patch SLAs and clinician-friendly MFA. Manufacturing NIS 2 tightens incident reporting and zero-trust expectations. Fund OT segmentation projects and supply-chain tabletop exercises. Energy & Utilities Nation-state probes hunt for disruption leverage. Drill island-mode operations and offline recovery paths. Geopolitics: From Headline to Action US agencies recently warned of Iranian-backed groups scanning defence, energy and manufacturing networks. Treat those bulletins as fuel for funding: Enforce MFA across every remote-access channel. Segment crown-jewel networks from corporate IT. Patch internet-facing assets faster than your competitors. Preparedness beats paranoia. Mind the OT Skills Gap Demand for OT-savvy security pros outstrips supply. If you don’t grow your own, you’ll overpay or miss out entirely. Train up engineers who know the plant – easier than teaching outsiders the process quirks. Offer clear career paths so talent sticks around. Use expert partners for niche tests, but keep incident response muscle in-house. People are either your strongest shield or your widest door. Choose shield. Board Agenda for 2025 Make cyber a standing item, not a quarterly footnote. Insist on integrated risk dashboards that merge IT, OT and product telemetry. Tie bonuses to SSP hygiene – if the plan is stale, the pay packet shrinks. Sponsor a cross-function “red team festival.” One week a year, let ethical hackers loose on every layer. Celebrate quick disclosure. Blame games kill transparency; reward teams that raise issues early. Ready to Strengthen Your Bench? SECURE Recruitment specialises in placing senior cyber talent and building security-first cultures across the UK, EU and US. Whether you need a fractional CISO, an OT incident commander or an entire red team, we can help. Book a confidential chat: secure-recruitment.com/contact Join the SECURE | CYBER CONNECT community: networking, mentoring and our weekly podcast keep you ahead of the threat curve. Cyber resilience isn’t just IT’s job – it’s everybody’s business. Start leading the charge today.
The Cyber Security Poverty Line: How Blockchain Can Close the Gap
What do we mean by a “poverty line” in cyber security? Picture two companies sitting side by side in the same supply chain. One has a threat-hunting service, round-the-clock monitoring and a well-rehearsed incident playbook. The other relies on antivirus software and a prayer. The invisible boundary that separates these firms is the cyber security poverty line.For many small and mid-sized businesses, charities and local organisations, a mature security stack feels out of reach. They face the same attackers as large enterprises but with a fraction of the budget and none of the specialist staff. Why does the line survive? 1. Limited toolingEndpoint protection, multi-factor authentication and managed detection all carry licence fees that bite hard when margins are thin. 2. Scarce expertiseHiring even one experienced analyst can cost more than a small firm’s entire IT budget. 3. Reactive spendingSecurity investment often follows a breach. That is the costliest moment to start. 4. Conflicting prioritiesLeaders know security matters, yet payroll, premises and growth feel more urgent. A 2023 National Cyber Security Alliance survey found that 46 percent of SMBs suffered a cyber incident but only 14 percent felt confident about recovery. The challenge is not apathy: it is capacity. Inclusion has a security price tag Security gaps translate directly into lost opportunities. Many contracts now demand evidence of controls such as ISO 27001 or Cyber Essentials Plus. Without them, smaller suppliers are locked out of tenders, investment rounds and new digital services.Communities on the wrong side of the line include: Start-ups in regions with little compliance support Remote teams built on consumer-grade infrastructure NGOs that cannot justify enterprise-scale platforms Public bodies targeted by ransomware because their defences lag behind If security is a prerequisite for participating in modern commerce, then insecurity is a form of digital exclusion. Blockchain as a levelling tool Blockchain is often associated with cryptocurrency hype, yet its core properties—distributed consensus, immutability and transparency—map neatly onto common security pain points for resource-constrained organisations. Challenge Blockchain-enabled response Credential sprawl Decentralised identity gives users a portable login that is not locked to a single vendor Expensive log management Immutable ledgers provide tamper-evident audit trails at low cost Sparse threat intel Token incentives can reward community contributions to open threat feeds Funding gaps DAOs and quadratic funding allow groups to pool micro-payments for shared tooling By pooling resources and codifying governance in smart contracts, micro-enterprises can acquire controls that once belonged only to the top tier. Practical steps to climb above the line Technology alone will not solve the inequality. Culture, collaboration and measured risk management matter just as much. Start with critical assetsProtect crown-jewel systems first. Perfect security everywhere is not realistic. Leverage academiaInternship programmes and capstone projects inject fresh talent without heavy payroll costs. Promote cyber literacySimulated phishing and short training sessions build a baseline of vigilance across micro-teams. Contribute to commons-based defenceOpen-source platforms thrive on shared effort. Joining the community reduces cost and raises influence. Resilience is a journey, not a badge. The goal is the ability to adapt, recover and improve after each test. A call to rethink security economics The cyber security poverty line is not an iron law. It is evidence that we designed our defences for those who could pay rather than for the ecosystem as a whole.Blockchain-backed governance, decentralised funding and community-driven operations let us reimagine security as a public good. When protection becomes both affordable and collaborative, innovation flourishes and systemic risk falls. Let us move the conversation from gatekeeping to stewardship, from protection for the few to protection for all.
Why Venture Capital Is Backing Trust-First Decentralised Innovation
Picture a city that runs on invisible wires. Freight lorries roll out of automated depots, aircraft queue on smart runways, and tills scan goods before the shopper even reaches the exit. Now imagine one privileged account being hijacked and those wires starting to fray. The recent four–day assault by the Scattered Spider group showed exactly how quickly a single set of credentials can set off a chain reaction across retail, logistics and transport. That incident, along with a sharp uptick in warnings from the FBI about aviation and connected operational technology, has forced investors to reassess the assumptions they once made about risk. As 5G-enabled infrastructure scales and the Internet of Things seeps into every depot and terminal, the attack surface is exploding faster than most firms can respond. Against this backdrop, venture capital is flowing into start-ups that place trust at the centre of their design, and they are doing so by leaning on decentralised architectures. The trust deficit in critical infrastructure Most connected systems still rely on central points of authority: credential vaults, orchestration servers, cloud consoles. Attackers have learned to aim straight at those choke-points. Breach one, and the dominoes fall. The trust model that served early cloud adopters is struggling to keep up with borderless supply chains and autonomous logistics. VCs see a widening gap between the assurance enterprises need and the protection that traditional perimeter-centric tools can offer. It is a gap that decentralised technology promises to close. Decentralisation as a security primitive Blockchain is often pitched as a solution searching for a problem. In industrial settings, however, its intrinsic qualities – immutability, distributed consensus and cryptographic audit – map neatly to the need for tamper-evident logs and machine-to-machine trust. Combine that with verifiable credentials, peer-to-peer data meshes and zero-knowledge proofs, and you have an environment in which a single compromised node has limited blast radius. Early adopters are layering these primitives beneath logistics platforms, maintenance sensors and passenger-facing services. The result is a move from “trust but verify” to “verify, then trust”. The investor lens Why does this matter to venture capital? Three reasons stand out: Risk arbitrageInsurance premiums for critical infrastructure have soared. Technologies that lower breach probability and regulatory penalties have a clear economic story. Regulatory headroomFrameworks such as the EU’s DORA and the UK’s incoming regulations on digital supply-chain resilience push liability onto operators. Solutions that demonstrate provable control inheritance and forensic transparency are becoming compliance shortcuts. Market timing5G private networks, satellite backhaul and edge compute are converging right now. Platforms that bake trust into those layers are positioned to win multi-decade contracts before incumbents can re-architect. Impact beyond the hype VC-backed firms are already piloting distributed identity wallets for crew authentication, asset tokenisation for aircraft maintenance records, and smart-contract escrow for freight hand-offs. Early data suggests: Reduced incident response timeShared ledgers cut forensic reconstruction by days, because provenance is built in. Lower vendor lock-inOpen protocols make swapping suppliers less painful, pushing integrators toward higher service quality. Community-driven standardsProjects often grow in public repos, encouraging peer review and faster patch cycles. What to watch next Expect capital to shift from generic blockchain platforms toward domain-specific stacks that solve narrow, high-value problems: secure data-sharing for rail signalling, decentralised PKI for drone corridors, and privacy-preserving analytics for passenger flow optimisation. Keep an eye on start-ups that treat governance as code and integrate hardware roots of trust right at the silicon layer. Decentralisation is not a silver bullet, and the hype cycle will claim its share of casualties. Yet for investors chasing resilience rather than buzzwords, trust-first architectures offer tangible, defensible value. As smart infrastructure cements itself in every corner of modern life, the winning technologies will be the ones that make compromise harder, detection faster and recovery cheaper. If you would like to delve deeper, the latest episode of the SECURE | CYBER CONNECT podcast explores how decentralised models are reshaping security economics. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/c5e2EW0ErnE?si=VjJinQAaWWUYjHPx Need help navigating the talent side of decentralised security? Get in touch and let us connect you with the people who build tomorrow’s trust anchors.
Why Smart Money is Investing in CISO-as-a-Service and What Every Leader Must Know
Through conversations with over 250 security leaders and founders this year, spanning startups, scale-ups, SMEs, and global enterprises, one truth has emerged with crystal clarity: cyber security has evolved far beyond a traditional IT concern. It has become a core boardroom priority and a critical business risk that directly impacts organisational survival and growth potential. Consider your organisation as a bustling metropolitan area, where every business function depends on smooth, uninterrupted traffic flow to maintain operational effectiveness. Cyber threats represent the unexpected roadblocks and system failures that nobody anticipates but everyone must navigate. Without expert CISO leadership providing strategic direction, your business risks costly operational delays, systemic chaos, and irreparable damage to its reputation and market position. This reality explains why access to flexible, senior-level cyber expertise – without the substantial cost commitment of full-time executive hiring – has rapidly become a vital competitive advantage for organisations competing in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. Think of CISO-as-a-Service as having access to a world-class strategic coach whenever expertise is needed, guiding your team through complex challenges, identifying risks before they escalate into crises, and helping you build trust with investors, customers, and regulatory authorities. Whether your organisation represents a VC-backed startup, an established SME, or forms part of a larger enterprise portfolio, the most successful companies understand that effective cyber leadership extends far beyond technology implementation. It constitutes a strategic, scalable capability that grows alongside business ambitions and adapts to evolving market conditions. When Does Your Business Need External Cyber Leadership? Determining the optimal timing for bringing in external cyber leadership can prove challenging yet critical for organisational success. Companies often realise they require fractional CISO support when facing periods of rapid growth, evolving cyber threat landscapes, or new compliance requirements that stretch existing capabilities beyond their limits. For startups and scale-ups backed by venture capital and private equity investors, pressure to demonstrate cyber resilience proves immense, yet hiring a full-time, experienced CISO can present prohibitive cost barriers. External CISOs offer on-demand expertise that helps businesses bridge skill gaps immediately without enduring lengthy hiring processes or committing to substantial salary obligations that may strain operational budgets. In more mature SMEs and enterprises, external or fractional CISOs can provide independent, objective oversight of existing security strategies. They bring fresh perspectives and benchmark best practices gathered across industries, helping organisations avoid dangerous blind spots that internal teams may overlook due to familiarity or resource constraints. The business benefit proves substantial: faster, more confident decision-making that directly reduces risk to bottom-line performance whilst simultaneously enabling innovation and sustainable growth. This approach allows organisations to access enterprise-grade expertise without the overhead costs traditionally associated with senior executive appointments. Understanding the Service Model Landscape Understanding available options proves essential for selecting the most appropriate fit for organisational needs and objectives. CISO-as-a-Service typically provides ongoing, flexible cyber leadership that integrates seamlessly with existing teams and operational structures. Fractional CISO support often involves part-time engagement focused on specific strategic or operational requirements with defined deliverables and timelines. Traditional consultancy approaches tend towards project-based engagement with more limited scope and duration, whilst Big 4 firms offer broad advisory capabilities but may lack the hands-on agility and cost-effectiveness that many businesses require for practical implementation. What distinguishes CISO-as-a-Service from other models is the ability to scale expertise up or down based on evolving risk profiles, market pressures, or regulatory changes without requiring renegotiation of fundamental service agreements. This model delivers deep, enterprise-grade experience without the administrative overheads or implementation delays associated with building comprehensive internal teams. For CEOs and CFOs seeking value-driven investments, this translates into precise, targeted spending that aligns closely with specific business goals rather than generic technical requirements or compliance checkboxes. Common Business Challenges Addressed Cyber security in modern organisations represents a complex interconnected system that touches every operational area from finance and operations through to legal departments and procurement functions. Some of the most significant challenges that businesses consistently face include: Escalating Threat Sophistication: From ransomware attacks to supply chain compromises, cyber risks are evolving rapidly and becoming increasingly sophisticated. External CISOs proactively update defensive strategies to maintain effectiveness against emerging threats whilst ensuring business continuity. Regulatory Complexity and Compliance Pressure: Regulations such as NIS2, GDPR, and sector-specific requirements create an increasingly complex regulatory environment that demands continuous attention. CISO-as-a-Service ensures ongoing compliance maintenance, helping organisations avoid costly penalties whilst maintaining operational flexibility. Talent Shortage and Cost Management: Skilled cyber security leaders remain scarce and command substantial salaries that may strain organisational budgets. External support provides immediate access to seasoned professionals without the long-term financial commitments associated with full-time executive appointments. Strategic Alignment with Business Objectives: Security cannot operate in isolation from broader business strategy. External CISOs help integrate security risk management into core business planning processes, driving measurable outcomes that protect and enhance organisational value. Crisis and Incident Preparedness: In the event of security breaches or cyber attacks, having expert leadership ready to manage response coordination and stakeholder communication can save millions whilst protecting brand reputation and market position. By addressing these challenges systematically, external CISOs function as trusted strategic partners, enabling businesses to thrive in unpredictable operating environments whilst maintaining robust security postures. Five Critical Insights for C-Suite Executives Cost Efficiency with Maximum Impact: Investing in cyber leadership only when specific expertise is required prevents budget overruns whilst delivering enterprise-grade capabilities. Recent research indicates that companies with flexible cyber security leadership models reduce breach-related costs by up to 30% compared to traditional approaches. Access to Global Talent Networks: External providers offer diverse pools of experienced CISOs with cross-industry insights and specialised expertise that extend far beyond what single internal hires can provide. This diversity brings broader perspective and enhanced problem-solving capabilities. Accelerated Compliance and Risk Mitigation: Maintaining alignment with evolving regulatory requirements represents a full-time professional challenge. External CISOs ensure continuous compliance monitoring and adjustment, reducing both regulatory exposure and associated financial risks. Strategic Focus on Core Business Activities: Delegating cyber leadership to specialists allows CEOs and CFOs to concentrate on growth initiatives and
Why Only 4% of Organisations Are Truly Prepared for AI Cyber Threats
Artificial intelligence is like that brilliant but unpredictable new colleague – capable of delivering remarkable achievements one moment, and accidentally creating chaos the next. The question facing every organisation today is straightforward yet critical: how prepared is your business to manage an AI that serves both as a powerful ally and a potential threat? Recent research from Cisco’s 2025 Cybersecurity Readiness Index has revealed a startling reality. Only 4% of organisations globally have achieved what experts classify as “mature” cybersecurity readiness. This figure exposes a significant and growing divide between the sophistication of modern threats and the actual preparedness of businesses to defend against them. Despite AI revolutionising threat detection and response capabilities, 86% of organisations experienced AI-related security incidents during the past year alone. Perhaps most concerning, less than half of employees truly understand the complexity of these emerging threats – a stark reminder that technology alone cannot provide adequate protection. Human understanding and comprehensive education remain absolutely essential. The Hidden Challenge of Shadow AI The complexity of this challenge increases dramatically when we consider the rise of ‘shadow AI’ – unauthorised artificial intelligence deployments operating beneath organisational radar. Combined with the proliferation of unmanaged devices, these factors significantly amplify risk exposure, particularly within hybrid work environments that have become standard across most industries. Current statistics paint a concerning picture. Some 77% of organisations struggle to manage complex security infrastructures comprising more than ten different point solutions. This fragmentation doesn’t merely create technical difficulties – it fundamentally impairs the ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging threats. The complexity reflects a deeper organisational challenge that extends beyond technology implementation to encompass the need for human-centred approaches prioritising clear, streamlined strategies over fragmented, reactive measures. Navigating Talent Shortages and Budget Constraints As AI-enabled cyber threats continue escalating, many organisations face a critical talent shortage that compounds their vulnerability. Cisco’s research demonstrates that 86% of companies report significant gaps in cybersecurity expertise, with more than half struggling to fill multiple open positions simultaneously. This talent crisis becomes even more challenging when considered alongside declining cybersecurity investment trends. Only 45% of organisations currently allocate more than 10% of their IT budgets to security measures – representing an 8% decrease from the previous year. This disconnect between rising threats and shrinking resources places businesses at considerable risk, particularly when 71% of security leaders anticipate disruptive cyber incidents occurring within the next two years. This scenario emphasises the vital importance of leadership that successfully balances innovation with ethical, human-centred risk management. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into cybersecurity tools – currently used by 89% of organisations for threat understanding and 85% for detection – leaders must ensure their teams possess not only appropriate technology but also comprehensive awareness and training to utilise these tools effectively. The future of AI implementation isn’t simply about automation – it centres on augmenting human judgement and fostering organisational resilience through informed decision-making processes. This requires investment in people alongside technology, ensuring that human expertise remains central to security strategy development and implementation. Critical Vulnerabilities in Traditional Infrastructure Beyond AI-related risks, recent discoveries of critical vulnerabilities in fundamental systems reveal how traditional infrastructure continues attracting sophisticated attacks. Two race-condition vulnerabilities recently disclosed by security researchers allow attackers to extract sensitive password data through manipulation of core dump handlers on millions of devices worldwide. This highlights the continuing necessity for vigilance in patching and securing foundational systems, especially as cybercriminals continually adapt their tactics to exploit emerging weaknesses. Such vulnerabilities serve as stark reminders that organisational security resembles a fortress wall – regardless of how advanced the defensive systems inside might be, the entire structure remains only as strong as its weakest component. Organisations must maintain comprehensive visibility and robust patch management strategies to prevent these “hidden cracks” from becoming entry points for determined attackers. This approach reflects the importance of holistic, human-centred security thinking that considers both technological and procedural elements. The Growing Threat of Social Engineering Cybercriminals increasingly deploy sophisticated recruitment scams and social engineering tactics designed to bypass technological defences and exploit human trust. Recent campaigns involving fake recruiter communications have targeted senior executives across six global regions, utilising legitimate tools and platforms to appear credible and trustworthy. These attacks extend far beyond traditional phishing attempts, seamlessly blending into genuine hiring activities on professional platforms and communication channels. This integration makes detection significantly more challenging for both individuals and organisational security systems. Five Practical Protection Strategies Comprehensive Identity Verification: Always verify recruiter identities beyond simple profile checks. Confirm legitimacy through direct company websites and trusted professional contacts before engaging in detailed conversations or sharing sensitive information. Enhanced Communication Monitoring: Implement systematic monitoring and auditing of all recruitment-related communications, including messages on corporate channels, informal networks, and external platforms used for professional networking. Executive Education Programmes: Develop comprehensive training for hiring managers and senior executives covering the subtle indicators of recruitment scams. Encourage prompt reporting of suspicious communications and establish clear escalation procedures. Strict Access Controls: Implement robust access controls and continuous monitoring on all tools used for remote collaboration and hiring processes. This includes video conferencing platforms, document sharing systems, and collaboration tools that might be exploited during fake recruitment processes. Regular Protocol Reviews: Systematically review and update security protocols related to third-party vendor and contractor onboarding. Ensure that verification procedures remain current with evolving threat tactics and organisational requirements. Human vigilance represents the first and most critical line of defence against these sophisticated attacks. Comprehensive awareness training focused on social engineering risks can transform potential vulnerabilities into organisational strengths whilst fostering cultures of security resilience. Building Inclusive Security Cultures Creating truly resilient organisations requires more than technological solutions – it demands fostering inclusive cultures that support diverse perspectives and approaches to problem-solving. Diverse workforces bring broader viewpoints, enhanced problem-solving capabilities, and deeper empathy – qualities essential for ethical AI development and effective security leadership. Building inclusive environments isn’t merely a moral imperative – it serves as a key driver of innovation and organisational trust.
Cyber Security ROI: Simple Ways to Demonstrate Business Value
In today’s increasingly digital business environment, cyber security has evolved from a technical necessity into a strategic business imperative. Yet many security leaders continue struggling to articulate the value of their investments in terms that resonate with boards and senior leadership. The challenge isn’t simply about proving that security matters – it’s about demonstrating clear, measurable returns on investment that align with broader organisational objectives. Cyber security ROI (Return on Investment) represents a critical metric that quantifies the value created by security investments through risk reduction, avoided losses, and enhanced operational resilience. As organisations face escalating cyber threats capable of disrupting operations, damaging reputations, and causing significant financial losses, demonstrating clear ROI becomes essential for securing vital budget approvals and positioning security as a value creator rather than merely a cost centre. For IT directors, CISOs, and technology leaders, communicating ROI effectively is fundamental to gaining leadership and board support. Today’s boards expect more than compliance checkboxes – they demand measurable outcomes directly linked to business value. Properly measuring and articulating cyber security ROI empowers security professionals to justify investments, prioritise projects strategically, and align security initiatives with organisational goals, ultimately transforming security from a necessary expense into a strategic asset. Practical Approaches to Measuring Security ROI Historical Breach Data Analysis One of the most compelling methods for demonstrating ROI involves analysing historical breach data to project future savings. Consider an organisation that has experienced an average of one significant breach annually over five years, with each incident costing approximately £10 million in direct and indirect expenses. If enhanced security measures reduce this frequency to 0.5 breaches per year, the potential annual saving reaches £5 million. This approach grounds ROI calculations in real-world impact, making investment cases more tangible and credible. However, security leaders must adjust these estimates to account for evolving threat landscapes and business growth patterns. The key lies in establishing baseline measurements that accurately reflect both historical experience and projected risk changes. When presenting this analysis, focus on comprehensive cost calculations that include incident response expenses, regulatory fines, customer compensation, reputation damage, operational downtime, and long-term business impact. This holistic view provides a more accurate picture of potential savings and strengthens the business case for security investments. Peer Benchmarking Methodology Another valuable approach involves benchmarking against similar organisations to estimate potential savings from security investments. By examining comparable businesses’ breach frequency and associated costs, security leaders can identify performance differentials attributable to their security programmes. For instance, if industry peers experience an average of £20 million in annual breach-related losses whilst your organisation reports only £10 million, that £10 million differential could reasonably be attributed to superior security investments and practices. This methodology provides external validation for security spending and demonstrates competitive advantages achieved through robust security postures. When employing benchmarking approaches, ensure meaningful comparisons by accounting for industry sector, geographical location, company size, and operational complexity. Utilise reputable industry reports, insurance data, and peer network insights to establish credible baselines for comparison. Risk-Adjusted Investment Modelling More sophisticated organisations benefit from implementing risk-adjusted investment modelling using established frameworks such as FAIR (Factor Analysis of Information Risk). This methodology assigns quantified likelihood and financial impact estimates to different threat scenarios, enabling security teams to predict expected annual losses and model how specific investments reduce overall risk exposure. For example, an upgraded Security Operations Centre (SOC) or AI-powered detection system can be evaluated based on its ability to reduce specific threat probabilities or limit incident impact. This approach resonates particularly well with boards seeking accountability and clear business alignment, as it provides mathematical foundations for investment decisions. The framework requires initial effort to establish threat catalogues and impact assessments, but once implemented, it provides ongoing capabilities for evaluating security investments against quantified risk reduction targets. This approach transforms security from an art into a science, enabling data-driven decision making that aligns with financial planning processes. Total Cost of Ownership Analysis Comprehensive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis helps organisations compare internal versus external security solutions whilst factoring in both direct costs and indirect benefits. This methodology accounts for factors such as faster response times, improved staff efficiency, reduced burnout, and enhanced operational resilience. Consider a managed SOC service that initially appears more expensive than internal capabilities. However, when TCO analysis includes factors such as 50% faster incident resolution – potentially saving £2,949 per day in breach-related downtime – the managed service may deliver superior ROI despite higher direct costs. TCO analysis should encompass staffing costs, technology expenses, training requirements, infrastructure needs, and opportunity costs of internal resource allocation. This comprehensive view often reveals hidden costs and benefits that significantly impact overall investment value. Building Compelling Business Cases Communicating in Business Language Successful security ROI communication requires translating technical risks into business terms that resonate with financial and operational leadership. Rather than discussing vulnerability counts or threat intelligence feeds, focus on operational resilience metrics, revenue protection, and competitive advantages achieved through security investments. Frame security investments as business enablers that support digital transformation initiatives, regulatory compliance requirements, and customer trust preservation. Demonstrate how security capabilities enable new business opportunities rather than simply preventing negative outcomes. Use concrete examples and case studies that illustrate security’s business value. Reference competitor breaches, industry incidents, and successful threat mitigations to provide context for investment discussions. Quantify benefits wherever possible, using metrics such as reduced insurance premiums, accelerated compliance certifications, or enhanced customer acquisition rates. Operational Resilience Metrics Beyond preventing breaches, security investments contribute to operational resilience through improved system availability, faster recovery times, and enhanced business continuity capabilities. These benefits can be quantified through metrics such as reduced unplanned downtime, faster system recovery, and improved compliance audit results. Calculate the business impact of improved Mean Time to Detection (MTTD) and Mean Time to Response (MTTR) metrics. If security investments reduce average breach detection time from 200 days to 50 days, quantify the reduced impact through lower data exposure, decreased regulatory penalties, and minimised operational disruption. Consider broader resilience benefits such as enhanced remote
Understanding the UK’s Defence Cyber Certification: A Complete Guide to DCC, CRTFs, and CyAS
In recent conversations with industry leaders across the UK, one theme continues to emerge with striking consistency: resilience. The threats facing our businesses, critical infrastructure, and national security are not only increasing in frequency but growing exponentially in sophistication and scale. Much like a military force cannot rely solely on superior weaponry to win battles, cyber resilience extends far beyond having the latest security tools. It requires the right strategies, capabilities, and most importantly, the right people in place to handle whatever challenges emerge next. The UK government, working closely with key organisations including the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD), is implementing strategic initiatives designed to strengthen our national cyber resilience. These programmes represent more than simple regulatory changes – they constitute proactive measures to fortify our systems, enhance trust, and prepare organisations for future threats. For executives operating on the cybersecurity frontlines, the message is clear: the time for action is now. Defence Cyber Certification (DCC): Elevating Standards Across the Defence Supply Chain Cyber resilience within the defence sector cannot be treated as optional – it forms the very foundation upon which national security rests. The newly announced Defence Cyber Certification (DCC) scheme, developed by the MOD in partnership with IASME, introduces a comprehensive cyber assurance framework specifically tailored for the UK’s defence supply chain. This represents a strategic transformation in how we approach supply chain security. In an environment where adversaries continuously probe for vulnerabilities, even a single supplier with inadequate cyber hygiene can present significant national security risks. The DCC ensures that every component of the supply chain meets consistent, risk-proportionate cyber standards, regardless of whether they provide sophisticated IT software or basic physical components. Key Features of the DCC Framework The certification scheme introduces four distinct levels of accreditation, ranging from Level 0 (entry-level requirements) through to Level 3 (advanced security measures), encompassing up to 144 individual control requirements. This graduated approach ensures that security measures remain proportionate to the risk profile and operational requirements of different suppliers. From Level 1 upwards, organisations must achieve Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification, establishing foundational cyber security postures that provide measurable baselines for further development. The scheme requires annual progress reviews alongside formal re-certification every three years, ensuring that security standards evolve alongside emerging threats. The programme utilises IASME’s extensive network of over 300 Certification Bodies across the UK, providing scalable reach that accommodates suppliers of all sizes and geographical locations. This distributed approach ensures that even smaller regional suppliers can access certification services without facing prohibitive barriers. However, the DCC represents far more than a compliance exercise. It provides defence suppliers – both large multinational corporations and small specialised firms – with opportunities to demonstrate leadership, operational maturity, and genuine commitment to protecting national interests. For investors and stakeholders, it sends a clear market signal that cyber resilience has become a defensible competitive differentiator. Cyber Resilience Test Facilities (CRTFs): Assurance for Connected Technologies As organisations accelerate their adoption of smart, connected technologies – from industrial Internet of Things (IoT) systems to autonomous platforms – questions surrounding their security and resilience have become increasingly urgent. The NCSC’s Cyber Resilience Test Facilities (CRTFs) initiative directly addresses these challenges through a comprehensive testing framework. CRTFs establish a national network of assured facilities where technology vendors can independently evaluate the cyber resilience of their connected products. Crucially, this approach moves beyond traditional compliance-focused auditing methodologies. Instead, it employs Principles-Based Assurance (PBA), which emphasises outcomes and risk management rather than rigid adherence to prescriptive requirements. CRTF Capabilities and Benefits The facilities provide third-party evaluation of internet-connected products against Assurance Principles and Claims (APCs), ensuring alignment with established Software Security Code of Practice guidelines. This evaluation framework applies equally across public and private sectors, creating unified standards that enhance trust and operational rigour. For vendors, CRTFs offer opportunities to demonstrate product security credentials whilst identifying potential vulnerabilities before market release. For buyers, they provide independent assurance that supports informed procurement decisions and reduces risk exposure. For regulators, they offer clarity and consistency in evaluating emerging technologies. The CRTF ecosystem aims to bridge the trust gap that currently exists around connected technologies. It supports vendors committed to security excellence, buyers requiring reliable assurance, and regulators seeking clear evaluation criteria. Essentially, it creates national infrastructure that enables safer innovation across all sectors. Cyber Adversary Simulation (CyAS): Moving Beyond Passive Readiness As threat actors continue evolving their tactics and capabilities, defensive measures must adapt accordingly. The NCSC’s Cyber Adversary Simulation (CyAS) scheme provides assured service providers with frameworks to deliver realistic attack simulations, ranging from targeted phishing campaigns and lateral movement exercises through to comprehensive incident escalation scenarios. Unlike standard penetration testing approaches, CyAS evaluates how effectively organisations can detect, respond to, and recover from threats under realistic operational conditions. This proactive methodology tests more than just technological capabilities – it challenges leadership decision-making, communication protocols, and organisational resilience under genuine pressure. Addressing Accessibility Challenges While CyAS provides invaluable capabilities, many organisations – particularly smaller firms and high-growth companies – find it complex, expensive, and potentially beyond their reach. Recognising this challenge, innovative solutions are emerging to make adversary simulation more accessible across different organisational contexts. These developments include role-based simulation platforms designed for various stakeholder groups, from Security Operations Centre (SOC) teams and Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) specialists through to architecture teams, engineering departments, huma
Web3 Security: Essential Solutions and Opportunities for 2025
Web3 Security: Essential Solutions and Opportunities for 2025 The digital landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation, and Web3 represents the next evolutionary step in our online world. Think of it like the evolution of a traditional office building. Web1 was akin to a static library where you could only read information, Web2 transformed it into a bustling collaborative workspace, and now Web3 is creating a fully decentralised ecosystem where no single authority holds control. This shift brings tremendous opportunities for enhanced security, but it also introduces complex new challenges that organisations must address. As we progress through 2025, cybersecurity professionals and business leaders need to understand how Web3 technologies integrate with their existing security frameworks. The decentralised nature of Web3 promises greater security through distributed control, yet it requires entirely new approaches to risk management and threat mitigation. Understanding the Web3 Evolution To fully grasp Web3’s security implications, it’s essential to understand how we arrived at this point: Web1 – The Static Foundation: The early internet functioned like a digital noticeboard where information was read-only. Users could consume content but couldn’t interact with it meaningfully. Security concerns were relatively straightforward, focusing primarily on server protection and basic access controls. Web2 – The Interactive Revolution: This phase introduced dynamic interaction, social media, and e-commerce platforms. While it enabled unprecedented collaboration and connectivity, Web2 centralised vast amounts of data and control within major platforms, creating attractive targets for cybercriminals and introducing new vulnerabilities. Web3 – The Decentralised Future: Built on blockchain technology, Web3 distributes control across networks rather than concentrating it in single entities. This approach theoretically reduces single points of failure whilst giving users greater control over their data and digital assets. The Security Landscape in Web3 Web3’s decentralised architecture presents both opportunities and challenges for cybersecurity professionals. Traditional security models focused on protecting centralised systems must evolve to address distributed threats and vulnerabilities. Emerging Threats: Smart contract vulnerabilities, decentralised finance (DeFi) exploits, wallet compromises, and governance attacks represent just a fraction of the new threat landscape. These risks require specialised knowledge and novel defensive strategies that many organisations are still developing. New Opportunities: The distributed nature of Web3 can enhance security by eliminating single points of failure, improving transparency through immutable records, and enabling innovative authentication mechanisms. However, realising these benefits requires careful implementation and ongoing vigilance. Five Essential Web3 Security Strategies Organisations looking to secure their Web3 environments should consider implementing these fundamental strategies: Deploy Web3-Specific Firewalls Web3 firewalls function as digital watchtowers, continuously monitoring blockchain transactions, smart contracts, and decentralised applications (dApps). Unlike traditional firewalls that focus on network traffic, these specialised solutions analyse transaction patterns, contract interactions, and token movements to identify malicious activities before they can cause damage. Embrace Decentralised Hosting Solutions Traditional hosting concentrates your digital assets in single locations, creating attractive targets for attackers. Decentralised hosting distributes data across multiple nodes, significantly reducing the impact of individual breaches whilst improving overall system resilience. This approach makes coordinated attacks considerably more difficult to execute successfully. Implement Continuous Blockchain Monitoring Real-time monitoring becomes even more critical in Web3 environments where transactions are irreversible once confirmed. Blockchain monitoring tools track wallet activities, smart contract interactions, and transaction patterns to detect suspicious behaviour early. This proactive approach enables rapid response to potential threats before they escalate. Conduct Regular Smart Contract Audits Smart contracts are self-executing programmes that cannot be easily modified once deployed. Regular security audits identify vulnerabilities such as reentrancy attacks, overflow conditions, and logic errors before contracts go live. Think of these audits as comprehensive health checks that ensure your digital infrastructure operates securely from the outset. Utilise Multi-Signature Wallets Multi-signature wallets require multiple authorisations before executing transactions, adding crucial layers of protection for organisational assets. This approach ensures that no single individual can unilaterally control significant funds or make critical decisions, distributing risk across trusted parties. Practical Implementation Considerations Successfully implementing Web3 security requires more than just adopting new technologies. Organisations must develop comprehensive governance frameworks, train personnel on decentralised systems, and establish clear protocols for incident response in distributed environments. Staff Training: Web3 security requires new skill sets and understanding. Invest in training programmes that help your team understand blockchain fundamentals, smart contract security, and decentralised application architectures. Risk Assessment: Traditional risk assessment models may not fully capture Web3-specific threats. Develop new frameworks that account for smart contract risks, token economics, and governance vulnerabilities. Incident Response: Decentralised systems require different incident response approaches. Develop procedures that account for the immutable nature of blockchain transactions and the distributed nature of Web3 infrastructure. Looking Ahead: The Future of Web3 Security As Web3 technologies mature, we can expect to see more sophisticated security solutions and standardised best practices emerge. However, the fundamental principle remains unchanged: security must be built into systems from the ground up rather than added as an afterthought. The organisations that successfully navigate this transition will be those that embrace Web3’s decentralised philosophy whilst maintaining rigorous security standards. This balance requires ongoing investment in both technology and human capital, but the potential rewards include enhanced security, improved resilience, and competitive advantages in an increasingly digital marketplace. Collaboration and Community The complexity of Web3 security challenges makes collaboration essential. Industry communities, security forums, and professional networks provide valuable platforms for sharing threat intelligence, discussing best practices, and coordinating responses to emerging risks. These collaborative relationships often prove more valuable than any single security tool or technique. As we advance through 2025, Web3 security will continue evolving rapidly. Organisations that remain engaged with the broader security community, invest in continuous learning, and maintain adaptive security strategies will be best positioned to capitalise on Web3’s opportunities whilst minimising its risks. The future of digital security lies not in choosing between centralised and decentralised approaches, but in understanding how to leverage the strengths of both models to create more robust, resilient systems that serve users’ needs whilst protecting their interests.
