Understanding Incident Management: Your Cyber Safety Net
Incident Response Essentials for Every Team
The importance of safeguarding your organisation’s assets, brand, and reputation against cyber threats cannot be overstated, and so goes the saying “prevention is always cheaper than the cure”, but what about when the worst has already happened?
This month we are focusing on Incident Response, which is often shortened to IR and is a part of Incident Management. We’re deep diving into IR services, and why all organisations need access to IR expertise and support. Discover how to contain and put out the fires that cyber incidents inevitably create with practical strategies for strengthening your organisation’s cyber safety net.
What is Incident Response?
Incident response is a structured approach to addressing and managing the immediate aftermath of a cyber attack or data breach. The incident response process often involves various stages including detection, containment, eradication, remediation, recovery, and lessons learned.
Tales from the CyberLab: Ransomware Response Explained
Incident Response Retainers: Are They Really Necessary?
Incident response retainer services offer organisations proactive support and expertise in handling cyber incidents effectively. These retainer services provide organisations with access to a team of dedicated cyber security professionals who can rapidly respond to incidents when needed. These experts conduct forensic investigations, compromise assessments, and other critical tasks to minimise potential damage and mitigate risks. Additionally, they may offer guidance on handling fallout and media coverage of incidents, ensuring that organisations maintain transparency and effectively manage public perception.
While incident response retainers may initially seem like an additional expense burdening already stringent budgets, their value cannot be overstated. In fact, investing in an incident response retainer can potentially save organisations from incurring staggering costs in the aftermath of a cyber attack.
The reality is that cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and pervasive, making it not a matter of if, but when, an organisation will face a cyber incident. When such incidents occur, the financial and reputational consequences can be devastating. From the costs associated with downtime, data loss, and recovery efforts to the damage inflicted on brand reputation and customer trust, the fallout of a cyber-attack can be significant.
Furthermore, as we touched on in Reducing Your Cyber Insurance Premiums blog, having an incident response retainer in place can also demonstrate to cyber insurance providers that the organisation is taking proactive steps to manage and mitigate cyber risks, potentially leading to reduced insurance premiums. In essence, incident response retainers serve as a crucial safety net, offering peace of mind and financial protection in the face of evolving cyber threats.
Fail to Prepare; Prepare to Fail
Real-world incidents serve as poignant reminders of the critical importance of robust incident response capabilities. Take, for instance, the notorious NotPetya cyber-attack on Maersk in 2017. Detailed in The Daily Swig, this incident underscored the need for resilience and preparedness in mitigating the impact of cyber threats.
Furthermore, insights from Ship Technology shed light on the vulnerabilities exposed by the Maersk cyber-attack. A study by Futurenautics revealed that 44% of ship operators at the time did not believe that their companies’ cyber security defence capabilities were sufficient enough to repel cyber-attacks, and that 39% had experienced a cyber-attack in the last 12 months. These findings emphasised the urgent need for under-prepared industries to fortify their cyber security posture and adapt to the ever-changing threat landscape.
It was not just the maritime industry that demonstrated the need for industry-wide, incident response readiness. In the same year as the Maersk incident, the infamous WannaCry ransomware attack wreaked havoc on various organisations around the world, particularly the National Health Service (NHS). The WannaCry attack exploited vulnerabilities in outdated software systems, leading to widespread disruption of NHS services, including cancelled appointments, delayed surgeries, and compromised patient care. According to a “Lessons Learned” report by NHS England following the incident, The attack led to the disruption of services in one third of hospital trusts in England, with 80 out of 236 trusts effected.
A recent report conducted by Pheonix Software and the National Housing Federation (NHF) titled “The State of Cyber Security in Housing 2023’ found that just 4% of UK housing associations feel sector is fully prepared for ransomware attack.
It’s not just specific industries that are underprepared, as research found that 73% of surveyed organisations across the U.S., EMEA and APAC countries suffered a ransomware attack in 2022, with 38% being attacked more than once. (source: PR Newswire).
Conclusion
Facing a rapidly changing threat landscape; Ransomware attacks becoming more advanced and frequent, the emergence of AI in cyber attacks, geo-political tensions and increasing concerns about threats to national infrastructure, organisations across all sectors must take proactive steps to enhance their incident response capabilities. Initiatives like Red Teaming and Penetration Testing offer valuable opportunities for organisations to test and refine their incident response procedures through simulated scenarios, ensuring readiness to effectively mitigate cyber attacks.
Leveraging specialised incident response services, from providers like Sophos, can provide organisations with expert guidance and support in navigating cyber incidents. By investing in comprehensive incident response solutions, regularly revising incident response plans, and actively participating in training and exercises, organisations can bolster their resilience against cyber threats and minimise the potential impact of security incidents.
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Protecting Automotive Manufacturing from Cyber Threats
A Futaba Manufacturing Success Story
The automotive industry is built on precision, efficiency, and reliability. However, as manufacturing processes become more interconnected and reliant on digital systems, the risk of cyber threats continues to grow. A single cyber attack can lead to production downtime, supply chain disruptions, and reputational damage – posing significant risks to operational continuity.
The Challenge: Securing Critical Manufacturing Operations
As a leading supplier of automotive parts, Futaba Manufacturing UK (FMUK) faced growing concerns about cyber threats targeting their critical manufacturing operations. With an expanding network of IoT devices, a single cyber attack could bring production to a halt, causing financial loss and reputation damage. Futaba needed a robust cyber security solution to safeguard sensitive data, ensure operational continuity, and protect their valuable intellectual property.
“CyberLab’s managed services have been a game-changer for us. They’ve allowed me to focus on the bigger picture while knowing our operations are secure around the clock. Their proactive approach and tailored solutions have provided us with the peace of mind to continue delivering excellence to our customers.”
– Matt Cooper, IT Manager, FMUK
The Growing Cyber Threat Landscape
Manufacturing businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats such as ransomware and data breaches, with cyber criminals targeting industrial control systems, supply chains, and sensitive data. According to recent industry reports, manufacturers have become prime targets for cyber-attacks, and a significant breach could compromise production lines, erode customer trust, and lead to significant financial repercussions.
According to the Sophos State of Ransomware in Manufacturing and Production 2024 report, 65% of manufacturing and production organisations were hit by ransomware last year – a sharp rise from 56% in 2023 and 55% in 2022, marking a 41% increase since 2020.
Futaba Manufacturing, with its critical role in the automotive sector, understood that protecting their operations against cyber threats was a necessity – not just a priority. To safeguard their systems and future-proof their operations, they turned to CyberLab for a comprehensive and tailored cyber security solution.
Identifying Vulnerabilities and Securing Operations
CyberLab’s first step was to conduct an in-depth penetration test, beginning with an assessment of Futaba’s external infrastructure. This process uncovered potential vulnerabilities in their network and critical systems. By simulating real-world attack scenarios, CyberLab identified the risks that could be exploited by cyber criminals looking to disrupt manufacturing processes.
A Multi-Layered Security Approach
To combat evolving threats, CyberLab implemented a multi-layered security strategy for Futaba Manufacturing, with advanced detection systems, robust access control, and proactive monitoring.
The strategy included:
- Sophos Managed Detection & Response (MDR): This 24/7 monitoring service helped Futaba detect and mitigate threats in real time, giving their IT team the ability to focus on high-priority tasks while CyberLab’s experts managed their security operations.
- IoT Device Security: Given the increasing use of connected devices in Futaba’s manufacturing processes, CyberLab placed special focus on securing their IoT infrastructure, ensuring that all endpoints were protected from potential vulnerabilities.
Strengthening Internal Defences and Employee Awareness
A major part of Futaba’s defence strategy involved strengthening internal security. CyberLab conducted user awareness training across the company to ensure that employees were aware of phishing scams and social engineering tactics. By fostering a culture of security, Futaba empowered its staff to act as the first line of defence against cyber threats.
Additionally, CyberLab deployed advanced endpoint protection and email security to minimise the risk of malware or phishing entering the organisation through vulnerable communication channels.
The Results: Securing the Manufacturing Future
The implementation of CyberLab’s security solutions has significantly strengthened Futaba Manufacturing’s cyber resilience. With 24/7 threat monitoring, advanced IoT security, and comprehensive training for employees, the risk of cyber incidents and production downtime has been drastically reduced.
As a result, Futaba can now operate with confidence, knowing that their systems, data, and intellectual property are protected. The company’s commitment to proactive security enables them to stay ahead of cyber threats while maintaining a reputation as a reliable partner within the automotive industry.
“As a business committed to delivering exceptional quality and reliability to our customers, ensuring the continuity of our operations is paramount. CyberLab’s expertise in safeguarding our organisation against evolving cyber threats has been instrumental in protecting our reputation and maintaining our competitive edge. Their tailored solutions give us the confidence to focus on growth, innovation, and excellence.”
– Phil Ord, Managing Director, FMUK
A Trusted Cyber Security Partnership
Futaba’s partnership with CyberLab allowed them to take a proactive approach to cyber security, with continuous support and tailored consultancy. The collaborative relationship ensured that Futaba could keep their defences up-to-date and adapt quickly to emerging threats in the rapidly evolving cyber landscape.
Conclusion: Embracing a Secure Future for Manufacturing
Futaba Manufacturing’s collaboration with CyberLab has provided them with the tools and expertise needed to navigate the increasingly complex cyber threat landscape. With a strong cyber security framework in place, Futaba is well-positioned to grow while ensuring operational continuity and protecting sensitive data.
As manufacturing businesses continue to face heightened cyber risks, it’s crucial for companies like Futaba to adopt a proactive, multi-layered security strategy. The success of this partnership serves as a powerful reminder of how robust cyber security measures can protect against evolving threats, ensuring that businesses can thrive in an interconnected, digital world.
Protecting E-Commerce Operations from Cyber Threats
A Sealey Tools Success Story
E-commerce has become the backbone of modern retail, offering convenience and accessibility to customers worldwide.
However, with this digital shift comes an increasing risk of cyber threats that can compromise business continuity, customer trust, and financial security. For Sealey Group, a leading provider of professional tools and workshop equipment, safeguarding their online operations was not just a priority – it was a necessity.
The Growing Cyber Threat Landscape
Cyber threats such as ransomware and phishing attacks have become a persistent challenge for online retailers. According to the Sophos State of Ransomware Report 2024, 45% of omnichannel retailers faced ransomware attacks last year alone. These threats put businesses at risk of data breaches, operational downtime, and reputational damage.
As a company with over 13,000 product lines and a strong e-commerce presence, Sealey Group required a robust cyber security strategy to ensure their platform and payment systems remained secure. A single cyber attack could disrupt sales, erode customer confidence, and result in financial losses. To fortify their defences, Sealey Group turned to CyberLab for a comprehensive cyber security solution.
“Working with CyberLab has greatly enhanced our cyber security posture. Their proactive approach and tailored solutions have strengthened our defences, ensuring our customer data and operations remain secure. The 24/7 support and expert guidance from their team have been invaluable, allowing us to focus on serving our customers with confidence and peace of mind.”
– Tim Thompson, Operations Director, Sealey Group
Identifying the Vulnerabilities
CyberLab’s first step was to conduct a thorough penetration test, beginning with an external infrastructure assessment. This process would help uncover vulnerabilities in Sealey Group’s publicly accessible systems. To simulate real-world attack scenarios, an on-site assessment was also performed within their corporate network. These evaluations provided critical insights into potential weaknesses that cyber criminals could exploit.
A Multi-Layered Security Approach
Understanding the sophistication of modern cyber threats, CyberLab implemented a layered security strategy to reinforce Sealey Group’s resilience. This strategy included advanced threat detection, robust email security, and endpoint defences, ensuring that multiple barriers were in place against potential attacks.
One of the key components of the security framework was Sophos Managed Detection & Response (MDR), which offered 24/7 expert-led threat hunting. This proactive approach allowed CyberLab’s security analysts to identify and neutralise threats before they could cause harm. Sophos MDR’s automation capabilities handled most security incidents, enabling analysts to focus on detecting more advanced, stealthy attacks.
Strengthening Email Security and Data Protection
Email remains one of the most common entry points for cyber threats, making it crucial for Sealey Group to strengthen their defences. In collaboration with Mimecast, CyberLab implemented an advanced email security system that protected both internal and external communications. This measure provided targeted threat protection and rapid remediation against phishing attempts and other email-based attacks.
To further enhance data protection, a Microsoft Teams archive was introduced to securely store customer information. Additionally, a secure file-sharing service and 24/7 telephone support were integrated to ensure seamless communication and business continuity.
A Trusted Cyber Security Partnership
Sealey Group’s long-standing partnership with CyberLab played a vital role in tailoring the security solutions to their specific needs. Through dedicated account management and expert consultancy, CyberLab provided a proactive approach to cyber security, ensuring Sealey Group remained ahead of emerging threats.
The Results: A Resilient E-Commerce Platform
The implementation of CyberLab’s security measures has significantly bolstered Sealey Group’s cyber defences. With round-the-clock threat monitoring and advanced email protection, the risk of downtime and data breaches has been drastically reduced. This has not only safeguarded customer trust but also ensured the smooth operation of Sealey Group’s omnichannel business.
By adopting a proactive approach to cyber security, Sealey Group has set a strong foundation for continued growth and operational integrity. Their commitment to resilience serves as a testament to how businesses can thrive in an evolving cyber landscape when equipped with the right defences.
Conclusion: Navigating the Digital Future with Confidence
For over six years, Sealey Group and CyberLab have worked together to navigate the complex and ever-changing world of cyber security. This partnership has ensured that Sealey Group remains well-equipped to counter emerging threats, maintain business continuity, and uphold its reputation as a trusted retailer.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, businesses must remain vigilant and proactive in their security strategies. Sealey Group’s success story highlights the importance of a comprehensive cyber security framework, demonstrating that with the right measures in place, businesses can confidently operate in the digital landscape, secure in the knowledge that their operations and customer data are protected.
Chess Acquires CyberLab: Building a Cyber Security Powerhouse
Chess and CyberLab: Building a Cyber Security Powerhouse
Chess Cyber Security and CyberLab have combined forces to deliver one of the most comprehensive cyber security offerings in the UK.
This strategic integration brings together deep technical expertise, innovative technology, and a proven track record of helping organisations manage risk and strengthen resilience.
Why This Matters for Customers
Cyber threats continue to evolve, and businesses need partners who can provide end-to-end protection – from assessment and testing to consultancy, implementation and ongoing management.
By joining Chess, CyberLab enhances this capability, creating a single point of access for:
- Testing and assurance: Penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and compliance audits
- Managed security services: Continuous monitoring, threat detection and response
- Governance and certification: Cyber Essentials, Cyber Essentials Plus and IASME Cyber Assurance
- Security-as-a-Service (CSaaS): A holistic platform that combines consultancy, technology and training to simplify cyber risk management
What CyberLab Brings to the Table
CyberLab introduced an innovative security-as-a-service model, giving organisations a centralised portal to:
- View and manage their security posture
- Identify individual blind spots
- Automate fixes with tailored training programmes
- Access compliance frameworks and reporting in one place
This approach makes cyber security simpler, more transparent and more actionable for businesses of all sizes.
A Track Record of Excellence
Chess has long been recognised as a trusted technology partner, with awards including:
- Sophos Public Sector Partner of the Year (10+ years)
- Sophos Mid-Market Partner of the Year
- Forescout Commercial Partner of the Year
- Consistently ranked in the Top 100 Companies to Work For
The integration of CyberLab builds on previous milestones, such as the acquisition of Armadillo Sec and Foursys, reinforcing Chess’s position as a leader in cyber security.
What This Means for You
Today, customers benefit from:
- Comprehensive coverage: From discovery and testing to consultancy and managed services
- Expertise at scale: CREST-accredited penetration testers, certified consultants and award-winning partners
- Simplified management: A single portal for posture assessment, compliance and training
- Future-ready security: Solutions designed for hybrid work, cloud adoption and evolving threat landscapes
Looking Ahead
Cyber security is critical for every organisation.
By combining Chess’s breadth of services with CyberLab’s specialist capabilities, we provide the agility, insight and technology needed to protect businesses now and in the future.
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CyberLab Celebrates Recognition in Top 100 Best Companies 2025
CyberLab Celebrates Three Top 10 Results in Best Companies 2025
🏆 #8 Best Small Company To Work For in the UK
🏆 #10 Best Company to Work For in the North West
🏆 #5 Best Company to Work For in the Technology Sector
CyberLab is proud to celebrate our latest recognition in the prestigious Best Companies™ 2025 rankings!
These outstanding achievements are a testament to the incredible people who make CyberLab what it is. Their passion, creativity, and commitment to building a culture of excellence continue to drive us forward.
A Message from CEO Gavin Wood
“I’m incredibly proud to announce that once again we’ve delivered a fantastic result in this year’s Best Companies survey, and this time we’ve improved on last year’s performance.
What makes this achievement meaningful is the collective effort behind it. From our people helping our customers defend against the evolving cyber security threat landscape, to our leadership team shaping culture and direction, every person has played their part.
Our focus on Simplicity, Passion and Quality continues to pay off. This advance isn’t just a number or a badge. It’s a signal that our commitment to being a great place to work, and a great partner for our customers, is working.
As we grow, evolve and tackle new challenges, maintaining our culture is just as important as hitting targets. A big thank you to the whole team. Let’s build on this momentum and make next year even stronger.”
“I am over the moon to announce our results for Best Companies 2025. These incredible results are a testament to our people, plus their hard work and dedication in making CyberLab a great place to work.”
– Mimi Rostron, People & Culture Manager
At CyberLab, we believe that prioritising the wellbeing of our people is essential to both personal and organisational growth.
In this milestone year, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible team. Their passion and commitment make this recognition possible, and we look forward to building on this success together.
Top 5 Cyber Security Predictions for 2026 and How to Prepare Now
Expert Insights from the CyberLab Board
In November 2025, the UK Government released a comprehensive report on the economic cost of cyber crime, which highlights how the average cyber incident costs a UK business £195,000. Scaling this to an annual UK cost, generates an estimate of £14.7 billion, equivalent to 0.5% of the UK’s GDP [Source]. The growing threat landscape and significant cost of cyber crime makes cyber security a pressing issue for all UK businesess.
2026 is set to be a landmark year for cyber security. AI, deepfake technology, quantum risk and supply chain vulnerabilities are converging to reshape the cyber landscape. Cyber criminals are now faster, more scalable and increasingly autonomous, relying less on human expertise and more on intelligent, self-learning tools.
In response, cyber defence must evolve too. It is no longer enough to react. Security needs to be predictive, adaptive and capable of operating at machine speed.
CyberLab’s Board have put together their predictions for 2026, and their insights reveal powerful themes that businesses must prepare for.
1. AI Changing the Threat Landscape: Defence and Attack at Machine Speed
AI is not just changing cyber security. It is redefining it. In 2026, AI will accelerate cyber defence, enabling faster detection, automated response and real-time threat modelling. However, it is also lowering the barrier to entry for cyber criminals, powering attack strategies that are faster, continuous and increasingly self-managing.
David Pollock, Chairman, highlights this duality:
“AI will speed up hackers’ ability to attack businesses and government. AI will also speed up our ability to defend and protect our customers.”
We will see a shift from human-led attacks to AI-led adversaries capable of executing cyber attacks without direct human involvement. These systems will operate at machine speed, identifying vulnerabilities, exploiting zero-day flaws and coordinating simultaneous attacks across multiple networks.
AI-driven attacks will be able to adapt mid-attack, changing strategies in response to defensive actions. They will learn from failed attempts, replicate successful exploits and scale attacks globally in seconds.
Ryan Bradbury, CTO, explains:
“The speed, scale and automation possible with agent-driven attacks will surpass anything we’ve seen before. We have to stop preparing only for human-led threats and start planning for autonomous AI-led adversaries.”
This means cyber defence will need to become dynamic, adaptive and automated. Continuous validation, predictive analytics and machine-speed response will become non-negotiable. AI-led defence will become the standard, not the exception.
2. Deepfakes, Identity Fraud and the Human Factor
While AI transforms the technical threats, humans will remain the most vulnerable target. In 2026, social engineering will become significantly more sophisticated as deepfake technology enables hyper-realistic voice, video and identity spoofing.
Wayne Price, Commercial Director, warns:
“Deepfakes and synthetic media will cause a surge in identity fraud, forcing organisations to ramp up digital identity verification practices.”
Attacks will no longer rely on poorly written phishing emails. Instead, employees may receive video messages from a supposed CEO requesting payment transfers, or voice calls mimicking trusted suppliers.
Gavin Wood, CEO, believes identity protection and human awareness will be critical:
“Human attack vectors will continue to be exploited, especially with AI-driven deepfakes, voice spoofing, phishing, and super realistic, authentic-looking videos, et cetera. Securing the human will be absolutely key for cyber security in 2026.”
Identity and access management will become one of the most important areas of cyber security, with organisations investing heavily in digital identity verification, behavioural biometrics and continuous trust authentication.
3. The Future of Ransomware and Smarter Phishing
Ransomware will remain one of the biggest threats in 2026, but AI will make it more intelligent, harder to detect and significantly more scalable. Attackers will use AI to craft personalised phishing emails that are context-aware and perfectly mimic internal communications or supplier messages.
Adam Myers, Sales Director, has seen a clear rise in this trend:
“We’re seeing emails that look more real and on brand. It’s harder to spot. AI is helping hit that on scale.”
These emails are technically perfect, grammatically accurate and contextually relevant, making them almost indistinguishable from legitimate communications. AI will also be used to test email variations, conducting A/B testing on targets to improve success rates.
Elena Doncheva, Marketing Director, advises:
“Train your people, as they will likely be the first line of defence. Monitor your digital footprint and the dark web for data that attackers can utilise. Test your business continuity plans, disaster recovery and incident response plans. You can never be too prepared.”
4. Quantum Risk, IoT Growth and Zero Trust Security
Technology will continue to evolve, bringing both opportunity and risk. Quantum computing, while still emerging, poses a direct challenge to current encryption standards. Organisations will need to begin preparing now by exploring quantum-resistant security measures.
Wayne Price summarises the shifting landscape:
“Expect AI, deepfakes, ransomware, quantum computing, and a surge in IoT and cloud-connected devices to reshape cyber security in 2026.”
The growth of connected devices, cloud services and remote infrastructure will dramatically widen the attack surface. This will push organisations towards adopting zero trust frameworks, continuous monitoring and automated threat detection.
While AI transforms the technical threats, humans will remain the most vulnerable target. In 2026, social engineering will become significantly more sophisticated as deepfake technology enables hyper-realistic voice, video and identity spoofing.
Wayne Price, Commercial Director, warns:
“Deepfakes and synthetic media will cause a surge in identity fraud, forcing organisations to ramp up digital identity verification practices.”
Attacks will no longer rely on poorly written phishing emails. Instead, employees may receive video messages from a supposed CEO requesting payment transfers, or voice calls mimicking trusted suppliers.
Gavin Wood, CEO, believes identity protection and human awareness will be critical:
“Human attack vectors will continue to be exploited, especially with AI-driven deepfakes, voice spoofing, phishing, and super realistic, authentic-looking videos, et cetera. Securing the human will be absolutely key for cyber security in 2026.”
Identity and access management will become one of the most important areas of cyber security, with organisations investing heavily in digital identity verification, behavioural biometrics and continuous trust authentication.
5. Supply Chain Security Becomes a Business Requirement
Supply chain security emerged as a central issue in some of the most significant cyber incidents throughout 2025. As organisations grappled with the repercussions, it became clear that robust supply chain protections are not just desirable but essential.
Elena Doncheva, highlights:
“These trends are already visible in the recent news. It is crucial every organisation is prepared to protect and respond to attacks”
Recent incidents with M&S, Harrods, Co-Op and Jaguar Land Rover put into perspective how critical supply chain is for all organisations.
Cyber security is no longer just a technical matter. It is becoming a competitive differentiator. Organisations will start to lose contracts if they cannot prove they meet minimum cyber security standards.
Tom Davies, CFO, predicts big changes:
“Procurement teams will start to look at cyber cover in the same way that they do insurance. Those without sufficient cyber cover will start to lose customers.”
Insurers and regulators are also tightening requirements, demanding proof of cyber resilience, business continuity strategies and responsible data handling practices.
In 2026, cyber maturity will be a strategic advantage.
Final Thoughts: Secure Your Organisation and Use Cyber Security as Competitive Advantage
2026 will be defined by machine-speed threats, identity risk and a widening digital attack surface. AI will be used both to launch attacks and to defend against them. Organisations that embrace AI-driven cyber defence, human-first security awareness and supply chain resilience will be best positioned for the next era of cyber risk.
Cyber security in 2026 is no longer just about protection. It is about trust, readiness and competitive strength.
Stay Secure. Security will be your edge.
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Take the first step to improving your cyber security posture, looking at ten key areas you and your organisation should focus on, backed by NCSC guidance.
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Parliament & Cyber Conference 2025: Our CEO's Reflections
Gavin Wood's Reflections on the Cyber Security Resilience Bill
The UK is seeing a sharp rise in major cyber incidents. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) revealed a 130% increase in “nationally significant” cyber incidents in the past year. In 2024-25, nearly half of the incidents NCSC handled were deemed nationally significant. With the escalating threat landscape in mind, I attended the UK Parliament and Cyber Conference 2025 to see what the UK Gov has planned.
The event brought together lawmakers, industry leaders, and cyber security experts to openly discuss Britain’s cyber resilience. As CEO of CyberLab, I found it both informative and energising. One message came through loud and clear: the UK is raising the bar on cyber security and the upcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill is at the heart of this effort.
Below, I share my key takeaways from the conference.
The Cyber Security & Resilience Bill: Raising the Bar for All of Us
At the conference, the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill was the headline topic. This proposed law is designed to raise the minimum cyber security baseline across UK businesses, especially those providing essential digital services.
It’s essentially the UK’s answer to evolving threats and to international moves like the EU’s NIS2 directive.
What does the Bill do?
In short, it will expand the scope of who is considered “critical” or “essential” and therefore subject to stringent cyber regulations. Currently, only certain sectors (like critical national infrastructure and digital service providers) have mandatory cyber obligations.
From what we heard, the Bill also strengthens incident reporting and regulators’ powers. Today, many cyber incidents aren’t reported unless they reach a high threshold of impact. Under the new rules, if passed, any operator in scope will have to notify regulators within 24 hours of becoming aware of an incident, even if the attack hasn’t fully played out yet.
A full report would follow within a short timeframe (possibly 72 hours), and customers might have to be informed if they could be affected. The Bill will empower regulators to impose bigger fines for non-compliance and allow the government to set common objectives across regulators.
The message: transparency and accountability are increasing. Companies will be expected to be on top of cyber threats and to promptly raise the alarm when something goes wrong.
Cyber Security as a Boardroom Priority – “Time to Act” Says Government
Another strong theme from the conference was the human element of governance: specifically, the role of company boards and executives in managing cyber risk.
The UK government’s stance here is uncompromising. It was stated in plain terms that a board which isn’t taking cyber security seriously today is not doing its job. Cyber security is no longer just an IT issue; it’s squarely a boardroom issue.
At the conference, there was talk that cyber security oversight might soon be mandated for boards. Just as UK companies must legally have health & safety governance, we could see formal requirements for cyber risk governance. Whether through the upcoming Bill or other mechanisms, the direction is clear: boards will be held accountable for cyber resilience.
As a CEO, I take this to heart. At CyberLab’s own board meetings, cyber risk is and always has been a standing agenda item. We’ll also be engaging our Board with the Cyber Governance Code checklist to ensure we’re following best practices.
And for our clients, this government emphasis reinforces the advice we’ve been giving: executive leadership must treat cyber threats as a core strategic risk. We plan to help client boards understand their responsibilities under the new landscape, perhaps by offering briefing sessions or workshops for executives on cyber governance. The era of leaving cyber to the IT department is over; informed, proactive oversight from the top is the new normal.
Building Resilience: Basics and Best Practices Reinforced
While high-level policy and statistics set the stage, the conference also drilled down into practical measures organisations should take to boost cyber resilience. A lot of this wasn’t flashy new tech, but rather reinforcing known best practices. A few stood out:
Cyber Essentials (CE) as a Baseline
Cyber Essentials, the government-backed basic security certification, got significant attention. The recent government letter to CEOs explicitly calls Cyber Essentials “the minimum cyber security standard” businesses should achieve. Organisations with CE certification are 92% less likely to make a cyber insurance claim. That’s a compelling statistic to share with any business owner questioning the value of baseline controls.
Shockingly, only about 14% of UK businesses currently assess their suppliers’ cyber risks, and an even smaller fraction ensure those suppliers have CE. That’s a gap that needs closing. The advice was clear: if you haven’t achieved Cyber Essentials, do it now and encourage your partners to do the same.
At CyberLab, we’ve long advocated Cyber Essentials, through maintaining our own certification and help clients get theirs. It was validating to hear that CE is still seen by industry leaders and policymakers as a crucial foundation.
NCSC Early Warning Service
Another very actionable takeaway: sign up for threat alerts. The NCSC’s Early Warning service was highlighted as a no-brainer.
It’s a free tool where NCSC will notify your organisation if they detect possible signs of compromise or known threats targeting you. This might include spotting your IP or domain in threat feeds, etc.
In essence, it taps into the government’s visibility to give you a heads-up, potentially before you notice an attack yourself. The recommendation was that both we and our suppliers enrol in this service.
Supply Chain Security is Crucial
Modern businesses don’t operate in isolation; their resilience is only as strong as that of their supply chain.
A recurring point was that big companies and critical sectors often have hundreds of suppliers, contractors, and service providers, and attackers know this. Targeting weaker links in the chain (an IT vendor, a third-party data processor, etc.) is a common tactic to compromise larger targets.
We’ve all seen the headlines – big companies losing millions because of supply chain.
Organisations need to ensure their supply chain is taking cyber security seriously too.
The bottom line: trust needs to be earned and verified when it comes to partners handling your data or systems.
Proactively manage your third-party risk, monitor vendor posture, and strengthen your supply chain security with HackRisk’s Supply Chain Security tools.
Practice Makes Perfect: Incident Drills at Board Level
Perhaps one of the most resonant pieces of advice: prepare for the worst, in advance.
Organisations that plan and rehearse their response to a major cyber incident fare far better when one strikes.
Table-top exercises (TTXs) and simulated breaches for the executive team were cited as essential. If the first time your leadership discusses how to handle a ransomware attack is when you’re in the middle of one, you’re already in trouble.
The conference hammered home that business continuity and disaster recovery plans must include cyber scenarios, and these should be walked through regularly at the highest levels.
As the government letter put it: “not all cyber attacks can be prevented… please plan and exercise how you would continue operations and rebuild following a destructive cyber incident”
This struck a chord with me. We at CyberLab conduct periodic incident response drills internally, but there’s always room to up our game. I’ll be ensuring our senior leadership and technical teams schedule a high-intensity cyber crisis exercise in the coming weeks, to test our readiness against, say, a coordinated ransomware outbreak.
My Final Thoughts and Take-Aways
The Parliament and Cyber Conference 2025 was a timely reminder that cyber resilience has become a national priority.
The UK Cyber Security Resilience Bill encapsulates this shift: it will compel higher standards and accountability, especially for those of us in the business of providing digital services. But beyond any single law, there is a broader mandate emerging: treat cyber threats with the urgency and importance they demand.
From my perspective as CEO of CyberLab, the path forward is clear. We will lead by example in embracing these changes, strengthening our own defences, and continuing to aligning with best practices.
For our clients and the wider community, we will double down on our mission to help organisations large and small build true cyber resilience. Whether it’s navigating new compliance requirements, training leadership in incident response, or fending off the latest threats, we’re ready to support.
It was inspiring to see policymakers and industry experts united in a common purpose at this conference. The challenges in cyber security are undeniable, but so is our collective resolve to meet them.
The key takeaway I brought home is this: improving cyber resilience is a shared responsibility. Government, businesses, and service providers each have a role to play. CyberLab is more committed than ever to play its part, working hand-in-hand with partners and clients to raise the bar on security.
In the end, stronger cyber resilience doesn’t just protect organisations like ours or our clients, it safeguards our whole economy and society. That sense of bigger purpose is what stays with me.
As we head into 2026, I’m optimistic that, together, we can turn the insights from Parliament and Cyber 2025 into concrete actions that make the UK a safer place online for everyone.
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