CYBERUK 2024 is one of the principal cyber security events hosted by the UK government. With this year’s theme, 'Future Tech, Future Threat, Future Ready,' the event set the stage for dynamic forward-thinking discussions and attendance. Hosted by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the event gathered over 2,000 cyber security leaders from industry, academia, government, and the public sector.

Here are some key takeaways from CYBERUK 2024 and how they relate to our cyber security strategic plans: 

A key focus at CYBERUK 2024 was how organisations can embrace and maximise the benefits of future technologies like AI, quantum computing, and net-zero infrastructure while also understanding the associated challenges in data and network security.

As cyber attacks escalate and new technologies introduce fresh threats, adopting a 'secure by design’ approach has become crucial. Spearheaded by the UK government, this approach embeds security into systems and software from the outset.

Organisations must proactively review and enhance their capabilities to fortify their systems. For new digital capabilities, prioritising security is as crucial as considering costs, health and safety, and customer impact. While rebuilding everything from the ground up may seem impractical, exploring emerging cyber security solutions can integrate advanced defences and prepare for evolving threats

Staying ahead of future technologies demands professionals who continuously upgrade their skills to keep pace with evolving technologies. The existing skills gap in security is significant and will continue to widen with the increasing demand for AI and quantum technology expertise.

CYBERUK 2024 provided valuable insights into balancing the risks and benefits of AI. While addressing AI’s risks is crucial, leveraging its potential to enhance cyber defences—such as improving attack detection and identifying phishing campaigns —offers substantial opportunities.

Discussions on quantum computing underscored the urgency of preparing for Q-Day, which is anticipated when quantum computers could break widely used encryption by 2030. This necessitates prioritising data protection in transit, even without encryption. Strategies include network segmentation, adopting 5G private networks, and zero-trust architectures. Additionally, organisations may need to consider offline storage of sensitive data and rapid re-encryption of old files using new technologies

At CYBERUK 2024, cyber security leaders emphasised the importance of collaboration in navigating the risks and benefits posed by future technologies. This aligns closely with the UK government's ‘Defend as One’ strategy, which promotes public-private partnerships, innovation, and automation to counter evolving threats. The Defend as One initiative aims to fortify critical functions against cyber attacks by 2025 and achieve public sector resilience by 2030. Sharing data, expertise, and capabilities will create a collective defence force far greater than the sum of its parts—a strategy particularly vital for us at BT as part of the UK’s critical infrastructure. 

CYBERUK 2024 underscored the critical importance of a robust cyber security strategy for future readiness. To explore what a tailored strategy could look like for your organisation, discover our Security consulting services.