Bridging the cybersecurity readiness gap in the UK

Demand for skilled IT professionals has been lagging behind supply for some time in the UK, but when it comes to having the right cyber defences in place, this can be make or break for businesses. In a new report, GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) is already being used in malicious cyber activity and will almost certainly increase the volume and impact of cyberattacks – including ransomware – in the near term.

As the NCSC urges organizations and individuals to implement protective measures, business leaders are under pressure to improve their cybersecurity postures, and fast. Finding cybersecurity professionals with the right skillset to fill these roles is challenging. However, with demand outpacing the supply of trained talent. And if we’re able to plug the skills gap in the near term – are UK businesses set up to succeed?

Why cybersecurity needs to be top priority

Cybersecurity is, of course, a global issue. With attacks impacting such a big number of businesses, it is unsurprising that the Kyndryl Readiness Report highlights a significant readiness gap in the UK’s IT infrastructure.

Although many UK business leaders feel confident about their IT capabilities, only 39% believe their infrastructure is prepared to manage future risks. The aging infrastructure, with nearly half of critical components reaching end-of-life, not only falls short in supporting emerging technologies but also poses cybersecurity risks. As cyber threats grow increasingly sophisticated, outdated systems become prime targets, with security vulnerabilities escalating.

In the report, cybersecurity emerges as the top concern among UK executives, with 70% expressing concern about cyber-attacks and less than a third (33%) confident in their current cybersecurity readiness. Legacy systems, which many UK firms still rely on, complicate the deployment of advanced security measures, leaving organizations vulnerable. The rapid rise of AI-driven threats, coupled with end-of-life infrastructure,…