In a world where technology powers everything from shopping and hospitality to financial services and our critical national infrastructure (including our national health service), the UK faces a pressing challenge: a widening cybersecurity skills gap that threatens the safety and stability of essential services, writes Calum Baird, Digital Forensics Incident Response Consultant at Systal.
With cyber attacks growing more frequent and sophisticated – and half of UK businesses reporting having experienced a cybersecurity breach in the last year – the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been more urgent. Bridging this gap isn’t just about protecting data; it’s about safeguarding the backbone of modern society.
Innovation outpaces security preparedness
Research by the cyber security certification body ISC2, reveals a growing disparity between the rising demand for cyber professionals and the limited supply of qualified candidates. This imbalance has led to a widening skills gap, a trend observed consistently since the study’s inception in 2022.
The UK is not immune to this global issue. According to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, an estimated 637,000 UK businesses (44 per cent) face basic cybersecurity skills gaps, where staff responsible for cybersecurity lack the confidence to perform essential tasks and do not outsource them. Additionally, around 390,000 businesses (23 per cent) report shortages in advanced cybersecurity capabilities such as penetration testing and incident response, skills critical for organisations with more sophisticated security requirements.
Why does the skills gap matter?
As our reliance on technology continues to deepen, the consequences of cybersecurity incidents become increasingly severe. The recent cyberattacks on major retailers M&S, Co-op, Harrods and Dior serve as a stark reminder of the business risks posed by modern cybercrime. These breaches caused significant operational disruptions and data loss, highlighting that even the most established companies are at risk. According to an analysis by Bank of America, the fallout from the M&S hack alone is costing the company an estimated £43m per week, with disruptions expected to continue until July and reduce profits by around £300m.
While the internet has revolutionised global communication, it has also enabled cybercriminals to operate from, and target, virtually anywhere. Cybercrime knows no borders, and a few lines of malicious code, transmitted across the globe, can trigger a cascade of consequences. As technology evolves, so do the threats. Consider innovations that have surged in the past decade, such as cloud computing, cryptocurrency, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Each of these has created new opportunities, not just for progress but also for exploitation by cybercriminals. As attackers continuously adapt and learn, it’s critical that cybersecurity professionals do the same.
Practical steps to embed cyber into businesses
Now that you’re aware of the cybersecurity skills gap and its potential impact, the pressing question becomes how can we close this gap and secure the future of cybersecurity in the UK? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, several key strategies can help:
● Invest in people: At the heart of cybersecurity is the ability to learn. Hiring individuals with a passion for continuous learning and investing in their development helps embed vital cybersecurity capabilities throughout your organisation.
● Education and awareness: Cybersecurity isn’t just the responsibility of IT. Every employee should understand the basic principles relevant to their role. With 98 per cent of cyberattacks involving social engineering, empowering staff to recognise and respond to threats is critical.
● Build a learning culture: Encourage a workplace culture that prioritises upskilling and continuous learning. Organisations that neglect this will find themselves increasingly vulnerable in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
● Leverage upskilling initiatives: Take advantage of cybersecurity upskilling schemes and grants offered by government and non-profit organisations. Initiatives like ISC2’s 1 Million Certified in Cybersecurity and the Scottish Government’s Cybersecurity Graduate Apprenticeships can provide accessible routes to build internal expertise.
● Plan for the future: Cyber threats evolve daily. Proactive organisations anticipate future risks and emerging technologies, equipping their teams with the skills needed to stay ahead of the curve.
● Consider outsourcing: If your organisation lacks in-house expertise, outsourcing cybersecurity functions, temporarily or permanently, can be a cost-effective way to access the essential skills needed to strengthen your defences. It can also be a good way to enhance your current staff and processes through augmentation.
Driving innovation without compromising security
New technologies offer organisations powerful opportunities to boost productivity and enhance both customer and employee experiences. However, alongside these benefits come evolving cybersecurity risks. Overlooking these risks can lead to serious and sometimes catastrophic consequences.
When evaluating new technologies, it’s essential to critically assess the cybersecurity risks they may introduce. Implementing robust controls from the outset is key to mitigating these threats. By adopting a holistic, security-first approach early in the decision-making process, organisations can avoid complacency and strengthen their resilience against an increasingly complex and dynamic cyber threat landscape, protecting themselves and partners now and in the future.
