Since July 4, 2024, a new Labour government has taken office in the UK, marking the first time the party has been in power since 2010. The landscape of cyber security has evolved significantly in the past 14 years with the rise of virtualisation, cloud outsourcing of IT services, and advancements in computing technology. This has resulted in adversaries having more sophisticated tools at their disposal to target individuals and organizations.
The popularity of social media has also grown, presenting both opportunities and challenges in terms of cybersecurity. A recent study by the UK Home Office highlighted email-based phishing as the most prevalent threat, followed by email impersonation and viruses/malware. It is imperative for the new administration to launch a comprehensive media campaign to educate the public about email scams and other cyber threats.
Additionally, collaboration between government agencies such as the Home Office and the NCSC, as well as business and charity organizations, is essential in addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities. This includes promoting cyber hygiene practices, conducting security risk assessments, and implementing monitoring tools and processes to mitigate cyber risks.