UK’s AI dreams dimmed by neglected cybersecurity efforts

TLDR:

• Only 13% of UK organizations are resilient to cyber crime
• UK’s AI ambitions at risk without stronger cyber defenses

In a report by Microsoft and Goldsmiths, University of London, it was revealed that only 13% of UK organizations can be considered resilient to cyber crime. The report warned that the UK’s ambitious plans to become a global AI superpower will amount to nothing unless cyber security is taken more seriously.

The report emphasized the need for organizations to adopt AI technology to bolster their defenses against increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks. It estimated a potential £52bn annual dividend for the UK economy if the annual cost of cyber attacks, currently at £87bn, could be reduced.

The report set out five opportunities for the UK to maintain its cyber superpower status, including supporting mainstream adoption of AI in cyber, investing in skills programs, and encouraging public-private research and development partnerships. Security decision-makers and professionals appeared to be on board with the report’s findings, emphasizing the urgency of strengthening cyber security defenses in order to achieve wider AI goals for the country.