With the recent change in government, the Labour Party faces significant challenges in shaping the future of the UK. One critical area demanding immediate attention, though often overlooked, is cybersecurity
The Cyber Security Breaches Survey revealed that over 50% of UK businesses experienced a cyber breach or attack in the last year alone. This concerning statistic highlights an escalating threat environment that the UK can no longer afford to ignore.
As Labour’s campaign was built on promises of transformation after 14 years of Conservative governance, the party has acknowledged the growing risks of cyberattacks in its manifesto. And with technologies such as AI allowing threat actors to add more tools to their arsenals, this threat will only continue to increase. The urgency for a strategic overhaul is clear—but what actions should both the government and private sector take to safeguard the UK’s digital landscape?
Modernising a cybersecurity strategy: The role of digital transformation
Research indicates that a cyberattack now occurs every 44 seconds in the UK. A common vulnerability across industries is the reliance on outdated, legacy systems that were not designed to withstand today’s advanced cyber threats. Shockingly, more than two-thirds of UK businesses still use legacy applications to run core operations, and over 60% of customer-facing applications rely on these old technologies.
Legacy systems are particularly vulnerable because they were developed during a time when cyber threats were far less sophisticated. As a result, they lack the security features necessary to counter modern, tech-savvy attacks. Even more concerning, many of these systems run on outdated operating platforms, meaning they no longer receive critical security updates. This leaves organisations exposed to easy exploitation by cybercriminals.
With AI enabling more complex cyberattacks, businesses must recognise the importance of upgrading their infrastructure. Transitioning away from legacy systems to technologies that can address today’s threat landscape is no longer optional; it is imperative.
Another often overlooked element in building cyber resilience is the continued reliance on traditional postal communications. As the UK advances its digital transformation, businesses should replace postal services with secure, digital alternatives. By leveraging encryption and authentication technologies, sensitive information can be protected at every stage of its journey. Digital communications not only enhance security but are also faster, cheaper, and more reliable than traditional methods, which are increasingly being exploited by fraudsters, such as in the case of convincing HMRC scam letters targeting small businesses.
Legislative action: a path to cyber hygiene
As Labour prepares its priorities ahead of the Autumn Budget, bolstering the UK’s cybersecurity must be at the forefront of policy decisions. One crucial step is to enact legislation that mandates the transition from legacy systems to modern, secure alternatives. Public and private sectors continue to rely heavily on outdated technologies, leaving themselves vulnerable. A strong legislative framework would compel organisations to regularly update and upgrade their infrastructure, ensuring they are capable of defending against contemporary cyber threats.
Cybersecurity must also be treated as a core national security issue. Just as the government invests in the military to protect against physical threats, similar attention and resources should be directed towards safeguarding the nation from digital dangers. Recent incidents, such as the NHS cyberattack, demonstrate that cyberattacks can have far-reaching consequences, even threatening public health and safety. For this reason, cybersecurity should be considered an integral part of protecting the UK’s infrastructure.
Raising public awareness: empowering individuals and businesses
As cyberattacks become increasingly complex and frequent, public education is essential. The government needs to lead efforts to increase awareness and provide resources that help both consumers and businesses protect themselves from the growing wave of cybercrime. A strong national focus on digital hygiene is key, and it must begin with educating those who are least familiar with cyber risks. By empowering the public, the government can foster a culture of cyber resilience across society.
The road ahead: A modern cybersecurity strategy
With the Labour Government committed to meaningful change, it’s time to introduce vital measures that will safeguard the UK’s businesses, consumers, and data. By legislating the retirement of vulnerable legacy technology, prioritising secure digital communication methods, and elevating public awareness around cybersecurity, the UK can fortify its defences against evolving digital threats. Only through these decisive actions can we ensure a safer, more secure digital future for all.
