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.
A New Era of Attacks on Encryption Is Starting to Heat Up
Over the past decade, encrypted communication has become the norm for billions of people. Every day, Signal, iMessage, and WhatsApp keep billions of messages, photos, videos, and calls private by using end-to-end encryption by default while Zoom, Discord, and various other services all have options to enable the protection. But despite the technology’s mainstream rise, long-standing threats to weaken encryption keep piling up. End-to-end encryption is designed so only the sender and receiver of messages have access to their contents governments, tech companies, and telecom providers can’t snoop on what people are saying. It is likely that criminals would find ways to continue to use self-made encryption tools to conceal their messages, meaning that backdoors in mainstream products would succeed at undermining protections for the public without eliminating its use by bad actors. Over the past few months, there has been a surge in government and law enforcement efforts that would effectively undermine encryption, privacy advocates and experts say, with some of the emerging threats being the most “blunt” and aggressive of those in recent memory.
Government publishes new AI Cyber Security Code of Practice and implementation guide
Purpose of the Code The Government explains that a voluntary Code of Practice focused specifically on the cyber security of AI is needed due to the distinct differences between AI and software, including security risks from “data poisoning, model obfuscation, indirect prompt injection and operational differences associated with data management”. It also note that software needs to be secure by design and that stakeholders in the AI supply chain require clarity on what baseline security requirements they should implement to protect AI systems. What is covered by the Code? The scope of the Code is focused on “AI systems”, including systems that incorporate deep neural networks such as generative AI. It sets out cyber security requirements for the lifecycle of AI, which it has separated into five phases: secure design, secure development, secure deployment, secure maintenance and secure end of life. The Code signposts relevant standards and publications at the start of each principle to highlight links between the various documents and the Code. Future global standard DSIT has developed the voluntary Code with the intention that it will form the basis of a new global standard for secure AI through the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), which will set baseline security requirements. The UK Government plans to submit the Code and the implementation guide to ETSI so that the future standard is accompanied by a guide, and it notes that it will update the content of the Code and the guide to mirror the future ETSI global standard and guide.
Preserving Integrity in the Era of Generative AI
The Challenge of ensuring trust in online content has intensified with the rise of Artificial Intelligence. While AI technologies offer numerous advantages to society, the widespread accessibility of AI and machine learning tools, particularly generative models and deepfake technologies, allows individuals to create or alter data with relative ease, minimal expense, and heightened realism. Consequently, distinguishing between authentic and fabricated online content is becoming increasingly difficult. Content Credentials represents a developing technology aimed at addressing this decline in trust. This technology seeks to trace the origin of data, including its source and editing history, thereby facilitating the preservation and verification of authenticity. AI tools intended to identify synthetic or inauthentic data often prove to be ineffective and unreliable, necessitating additional technical measures to establish layered defenses for organisations, individuals, and society at large. Techniques for content provenance could play a crucial role in enhancing the integrity of information across various systems. While Content Credentials can assist organisations, systems, and users in making informed choices regarding the data they engage with, they alone will not fully resolve the issue. Nevertheless, as the technology advances, it will enhance systems’ capabilities to assess the authenticity of content more effectively.
7 Benefits of AI in Cyber Security
There are many concerns being cited about the use of AI within the Cyber Space….but let’s talk about some of the Benefits! 1. Detecting Vulnerabilities within Network Traffic by Analysing Patterns in Network Traffic Data, AI Systems can Identify Potential Threats & Alert Cyber Security Professionals. 2. Analysing a Large Amount of Data for Potential Threats. This can be particularly useful in Identifying Threats that might not be immediately obvious to Human Analysts. 3. Automating Routine Tasks to make them Less Time Consuming. 4. Automatically Patching & Updating Systems, freeing up Cyber Security Professionals to focus on more complex tasks. 5. Generating Reports & Alerts, Providing Valuable Information to Help Inform Cyber Security Decisions. 6. Improving the Speed & Accuracy of Threat Detection & Response, AI can Help to Reduce the Impact of Cyber Attacks. 7. Improving Efficiency of Cyber Security Operations, freeing up Valuable Time & Resources for Other Tasks.
Cyber Crime on Social Media in 2025
Cyber Crime on Social Media The Rise of Social Media in recent years has provided Cyber Criminals with an Additional Platform for their Illicit Activities. In 2022, Meta, the Parent Company of Facebook, Identified over 400 Malicious Applications for IOS & Android that aimed to Compromise Mobile Users by Stealing their Facebook Log-In Information. Among these Applications, 43% were Categorised as ‘Photo Editors, including those that Offered Users the Ability to Transform their Images. Additionally, 15% were Labelled as ‘Business Utility’ Applications, Purporting to Offer Features Not Available in Legitimate Apps from Trusted Sources. Cyber Criminals often Employ Tactics such as Creating Fraudulent Reviews to Enhance the Visibility of their Applications & Obscure Negative Feedback that points out Potential Risks. Consequently, unsuspecting Users may Download these Applications and are Prompted to Log in using their Facebook Credentials, allowing Hackers to Capture any Information entered. How Prevalent is Cyber Crime on Social Media? Cyber Crime is exceedingly prevalent on Social Media Platforms. In the 2nd Quarter of 2022, Facebook Removed 8.2 Million Pieces of Content that Breached its Policies regarding Bullying & Harassment. In the 1st Quarter of the same year, the Platform Removed 9.5 Million Instances of Policy Violating Content, marking the Highest Number Ever Recorded by Facebook.
Stricter GDPR Regulations in 2025!
Governments across the globe are implementing more stringent regulations to safeguard personal data held by organisations. By 2025, adherence to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will necessitate heightened vigilance. This may entail more rigorous reporting obligations for data breaches, stricter guidelines concerning data collection, and penalties for non-compliance. For non-profit organisations, maintaining compliance can be particularly challenging, especially in the absence of a dedicated IT or legal team. To effectively manage these changes, it is advisable to conduct regular assessments of your data protection policies and to invest in a cybersecurity audit to ensure that your organisation fulfills its legal responsibilities. In conclusion, Cyber Security in 2025 encompasses not only the protection of your systems but also ensuring that your team possesses the necessary training and knowledge regarding Cyber Security. It is imperative to take proactive measures now to counter emerging threats such as AI-driven attacks, phishing scams, and vulnerabilities in cloud services. Safeguarding your mission, your donors, and your reputation is of utmost importance.
5 Ways For Businesses to Prepare for Data Privacy Week
1. Update Privacy Policies Review all existing Data Privacy Policies, including those related to Password Management, Device Usage, Data Collection, and Cookie Usage, Ensuring they are Accurate, and Accessible to both Customers and Employees. Pay Particular Attention to Provisions regarding Data at Rest and in Transit, Data Deletion, Encryption Methods, Data Retention Periods, and Compliance Obligations. 2. Evaluate Data Controls The Effectiveness of your Privacy Practices is Directly Linked to the Robustness of your Security Measures. Assess the Current Controls for Data Collection, Storage, and Processing to Verify Adherence to Applicable Privacy Regulations. Examine your Access Controls and Enhance Existing Security Protocols to Safeguard Sensitive Information against Breaches and Unauthorized Access. 3. Implement Data Privacy Training With at least 74% of Businesses expressing concern over Insider Threats, it is Essential to Prioritise Data Privacy Training for Employees, particularly during Data Privacy Week. Seize this Opportunity to Initiate Training Campaigns focused on Privacy for both Employees and Customers. 4. Explore Compliance Tools Utilizing Compliance Automation Tools can address all the above-mentioned suggestions and provide Real-Time insights into your Privacy Controls. This Approach Eliminates the need to Coordinate with Multiple Teams or Utilize various Tools to Evaluate your Security Status, as all necessary Information will be on a single Dashboard for your Review. 5. Engage with Customers Data Privacy Week presents a Valuable Opportunity to Connect with Customers. You can Inform them about their Data Rights and the Measures your Company takes to Safeguard their Information, thereby Fostering Awareness and Enhancing your Relationship with them.
