Signal 44% of UK private sector businesses lack basic cyber skills

Summary

The report observes that consumers expect both easy access to their personal data and strong security, yet a large cyber security skills gap remains. According to a 2024 survey by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, 44% of UK private sector businesses that year lacked basic cyber security expertise. The report considers businesses with too little investment in cyber defence and training to be more exposed to breaches and the costs that follow. Training the workforce to withstand cyber threats could raise overall digital literacy and support progress in other technology areas. As an illustrative scenario, the report describes AI-designed ransomware driving up attacks while a shortage of skills leaves many firms unable to staff their cyber defences adequately.