The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has urged UK organisations to strengthen cyber resilience through a new Cyber Resilience Pledge, while new figures show the UK cyber security sector grew 11% to £14.7 billion last year with the number of firms rising to 2,603. Cyber Security Minister Baroness Lloyd said businesses must improve defences against increasingly sophisticated AI-enabled cyber threats as the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill continues through Parliament.
The Cyber Resilience Pledge will launch later this year and encourage organisations across the economy to improve their cyber defences through practical security measures. Ministers have written to leading UK companies inviting them to participate as part of wider efforts to strengthen resilience across critical sectors.
The announcement follows new data showing continued growth in the UK cyber security industry, including the creation of 2,300 jobs over the past year. Increased demand for cyber expertise reflects growing concern over cyber attacks affecting businesses, public services and national infrastructure.
Government Launches New Cyber Resilience Push
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said businesses are being encouraged to strengthen their cyber defences against fast-evolving threats, including attacks supported by artificial intelligence tools. The government is backing resilience efforts with £90 million in funding aimed at improving protections across the economy.
The Cyber Resilience Pledge is intended to help organisations reduce cyber risks, protect customers and strengthen confidence across supply chains. That businesses of all sizes are being encouraged to review the pledge requirements ahead of its launch later this year.
- Funding Support: Government will provide £90 million to improve cyber resilience across the wider economy.
- Business Outreach: Ministers have contacted major UK companies directly to encourage participation in the Cyber Resilience Pledge.
Cyber Resilience Pledge Requirements
The pledge outlines three actions organisations are encouraged to adopt in order to improve their cyber security standards. These measures focus on governance, early threat detection and supply chain protections.
Businesses are being encouraged to make cyber security a board-level responsibility and sign up to the National Cyber Security Centre’s Early Warning Service. The government also said organisations should require Cyber Essentials certification across their supply chains to reduce exposure to common cyber threats.
- Board Responsibility: Organisations are encouraged to make cyber security a senior management responsibility.
- Supply Chain Standards: Businesses are urged to adopt Cyber Essentials certification requirements for suppliers.
Cyber Security and Resilience Bill Progresses
The government confirmed that the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill will continue through Parliament following the King’s Speech. The legislation is intended to strengthen protections for critical national infrastructure and reduce the risk of disruption to essential services.
The Bill forms part of wider efforts to improve cyber resilience across sectors including energy, healthcare, water and data centres. The government said the measures are designed to strengthen Britain’s digital foundations as cyber threats continue to evolve.
UK Cyber Security Sector Records Growth
New figures published by the government show the UK cyber security sector recorded annual revenue growth of 11%, reaching £14.7 billion. The number of firms operating in the sector also increased by 20% to 2,603 businesses.
The sector created approximately 2,300 jobs during the past year, reflecting increasing investment in cyber resilience by businesses and public services. The sector continues expanding as demand for cyber resilience and digital security services increases across the UK economy.
UK Cyber Security Sector Growth
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Sector Revenue | 11% increase to £14.7 billion | Government figures show continued expansion of the UK cyber security industry. |
| Number of Firms | 20% increase to 2,603 | More cyber security companies entered or expanded within the UK market. |
| Employment | 2,300 new jobs created | Growing demand for cyber resilience services supported workforce growth. |
Ministers Warn Over AI-Enabled Cyber Threats
Ministers warned that AI-enabled cyber threats are increasing the speed and scale of attacks targeting organisations. Government figures cited in the announcement show 43% of UK businesses experienced a cyber breach or attack during the past year.
New generations of AI models are lowering barriers for cyber criminals by helping identify vulnerabilities and automate attacks. Businesses are being encouraged to strengthen backup systems, monitoring capabilities and incident response planning to reduce disruption during cyber attacks.
Research referenced by ministers included work by the AI Security Institute examining frontier AI models such as Mythos and GPT 5.5. Ministers warned that AI-enabled attacks are increasing faster than many traditional cyber defence systems were designed to handle.
Cyber Threat and AI Security Indicators
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Business Cyber Breaches | 43% of firms affected | Government figures show widespread exposure to cyber attacks across UK businesses. |
| AI Security Firms | 68% annual increase | The number of UK firms providing AI cyber security services rose during 2025. |
| AI Threat Capability | Growing attack automation | Ministers warned AI tools are increasing attack speed and lowering barriers for cyber criminals. |
UK Expands AI and Cyber Defence Capabilities
The UK has established the AI Security Institute to strengthen understanding of advanced AI systems and cyber risks. The institute provides independent assessments of frontier AI capabilities as part of broader national security efforts.
The National Cyber Security Centre, which forms part of GCHQ, continues to provide cyber defence guidance and support for organisations across the country. The UK cyber sector is also expanding into AI-focused security products and services as demand increases.
Government figures showed the number of UK firms offering cyber security services for AI increased by 68% in 2025 compared with the previous year. Officials said this growth reflects the UK’s position in both cyber innovation and cyber defence capability.
Ministerial Comments
Baroness Lloyd, Cyber Security Minister said;
“Cyber security is now fundamental to economic growth, job creation and the resilience of the services people rely on every day.”
“The UK has a world-class cyber sector that is creating skilled jobs and protecting our economy – and government is doing more by investing in its own defences, legislating to require more of essential services and setting clear national standards.”
“As threats evolve, businesses of all sizes need to step up and take practical action now. The Cyber Resilience Pledge is a clear call for companies to strengthen their defences, protect their customers and play their part in keeping the UK secure and competitive.”
The government has announced new measures aimed at strengthening cyber resilience across the UK economy as AI-enabled cyber threats continue to develop. The Cyber Resilience Pledge, ongoing legislative measures and increased investment in cyber capabilities are intended to improve protections for businesses and essential services.
New industry figures also indicate continued growth in the UK cyber security sector, including higher revenues, increased firm numbers and additional employment opportunities.
Sources: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Baroness Lloyd of Effra CBE
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
