UK faces ‘perfect storm’ for cybersecurity, says cyber chief

The UK is facing a ‘perfect storm’ for cybersecurity against the backdrop of a new technological revolution, the head of the UK’s cyber agency is set to say at the CYBERUK conference in Glasgow today.

Dr Richard Horne, the CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), will say that the meeting of rapid technological change driven by developments in AI and geopolitical tensions are giving rise to a period of tumultuous uncertainty.

In his speech, Horne will say that as the technology landscape develops, the definition of cybersecurity is expanding with it. 

Horne is expected to say in the future, it will be vital to secure technology controlling robotics, autonomous systems and technology that is physically integrated with human bodies – all of which is ’way beyond’  the definition of cybersecurity as it was understood and practised a decade ago, and will require organisations to continually reimagine cybersecurity.

He will call on those working in the field to lead a cultural shift within organisations, adding that, amidst the uncertainty, it is clear what actions need to be taken to maintain collective resilience. 

“Cybersecurity is the responsibility of everyone, whether they sit on the Board or the IT help desk… Cybersecurity is part of their mission,” Horne is expected to say.

Speaking about the cyber threat landscape, Horne will say that the number of incidents dealt with by the NCSC remains ‘fairly steady’, but there has been a change in where the attacks are coming from as the majority of the nationally significant incidents now originate directly or indirectly from nation states.