Curated from Latest from TechRadar US in News,opinion — Here’s what matters right now:
A function that was once buried deep within IT departments, cyber security is now firmly making its way up the boardroom agenda. 72% of UK businesses now classify cyber security as a high priority, with that extending to 96% of large businesses. As recent high-profile breaches at M&S, Co-op and Harrods have shown, cyber resilience is now central not only to operational integrity but also to brand value, regulatory compliance and investor confidence. Greater awareness has emerged as businesses shift from short-term solutions adopted during the pandemic to long-term, strategic partnerships with specialist cyber security providers. Increasingly, organizations recognize that cyber security requires an integrated approach involving continuous monitoring and proactive risk management. The growing complexity and specificity of cyber threats mean that a bespoke, tailored approach is necessary, driving demand for advisory-led solutions delivered by experienced, security-cleared professionals. That shift in perception is now being reflected in dealmaking. In the second quarter of 2025, the UK cyber market saw a flurry of M&A activity, much of it led by private equity platforms executing bolt-on acquisitions. These transactions may not always grab headlines, but they are sending a clear signal - cyber security is a strategic growth priority. A new kind of risk The cyber threat landscape has evolved. Today’s attacks are more frequent, more sophisticated and more damaging. The recent incidents involving the “Scattered Spider” group are just the latest reminder of the long-term impact these attacks can have, beyond the legal and financial consequences, but to customer trust and brand reputation. That’s why boardrooms are starting to reassess their cyber readiness. In sectors such as public services, infrastructure and education - where the risks of failure are especially high - strong cyber defenses are no longer optional. In addition, the rapid advancement of AI will accelerate cybersecurity risks, as it lowers the barrier for executing sophisticated attacks and enables threat actors to automate, scale, and personalize their tactics with unprecedented precision. Regulation is raising the stakes At the same time, government regulation is putting company directors firmly on the hook. The UK’s proposed Cyber Security and Resilience Bill will make senior executives directly accountable for managing cyber risks and ensuring operational resilience, bringing the UK closer to European frameworks like the NIS2 Directive and DORA. This is changing how cyber security is viewed at the top. It’s not just about ticking boxes or passing audits. It is now a central part of good governance. For investors, strong cyber capabilities are becoming a mark of well-run companies. For acquirers, it’s becoming a critical filter for M&A, particularly when dealing with businesses that hold sensitive data or operate critical systems. This regulatory push is part of a broader global shift
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Original reporting: Latest from TechRadar US in News,opinion