A recent report by cybersecurity researchers Armis reveals a concerning trend among UK businesses: a rapid decline in confidence in the government’s ability to protect them from cyberattacks. According to the report, this lack of faith in governmental cybersecurity measures is more pronounced in the UK compared to other European countries.
To compile the report, Armis conducted a survey involving over 2,600 global security and IT decision-makers, supplemented by proprietary data from Armins Labs. The findings indicate a significant shift in perception, with more than half (52%) of UK IT leaders expressing skepticism about the government’s capacity to defend citizens and enterprises from cyberwarfare. This marks a notable decrease from the previous year, when 77% held a different view.
Meanwhile, cybersecurity threats are escalating globally, with recent geopolitical events exacerbating tensions and turning the internet into a battleground. UK companies are particularly vulnerable, according to respondents, who perceive them to be on the frontline of this digital conflict. Nearly half (46%) of UK survey participants believe that geopolitical tensions have heightened the risk of cyberwarfare, with Russia identified as a major threat by 45% of respondents, surpassing concerns about China. Additionally, half of those surveyed expressed concern about North Korea’s capability to initiate cyberattacks that could severely impact critical infrastructure worldwide.
The impact of these escalating threats is already evident, with 43% of UK businesses reporting experiencing one or two breaches in the past year. Moreover, over half (54%) reported consistent threat levels throughout the year, and 18% noted an increase in cyber threats.
The report highlights specific sectors facing heightened risks, such as utilities, medical, healthcare, and pharmaceutical industries, which have witnessed a significant surge in threats over the past 12 months. Alarmingly, only a quarter of organizations in these sectors have developed comprehensive plans to mitigate such risks.
David Critchley, Regional Director for the UK & Ireland at Armis, emphasizes the urgent need for proactive measures to address these cybersecurity challenges. Critchley emphasizes the importance of enhancing defensive strategies and investing in advanced technologies, such as AI-driven solutions, to bolster national security and protect society from the growing threat of cyberwarfare.
