Cybersecurity remains a crucial component in the UK’s security landscape. With this in mind, the UK government has launched a new wave of government initiatives aimed at strengthening national resilience, building digital skills, and supporting the cyber sector
From major funding programmes and strategic reviews to new global standards, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has led a range of developments over the past month.
Empowering the next generation with TechFirst
An important announcement at the start of June was the launch of TechFirst, a £187 million programme designed to train one million secondary school students in AI, cybersecurity, and computer science. The initiative builds on the success of the CyberFirst Explorers programme and aims to equip young people across the UK with the skills they need for future tech-powered careers.
The new online programme will be supported by regional delivery partners who will work with schools and colleges to roll out tech-focused activities. In addition to helping students, the initiative will also provide AI training to more than seven million UK workers through partnerships with major tech companies, including NVIDIA, Google, and Microsoft.
Supercharging the UK’s cyber sector
The government also revealed a new Cyber Growth Action Plan, which will invest up to £16 million into growing the UK’s cyber ecosystem. This includes £10 million for CyberASAP, which is a programme that helps academic cyber research become commercial ventures, and a further £6 million to support startups and SMEs through the Cyber Runway accelerator.
Led by experts from the University of Bristol and Imperial College London, the plan will identify sector strengths and recommend next steps for long-term growth. Final recommendations are expected later this summer.
Key moments at CyberUK 2025
May’s CyberUK event in Manchester offered a platform for DSIT to show its latest efforts. Key announcements included further investment in CHERI technology, a ‘magic chip’ designed to block up to 70% of common cyber attacks. An initial £6 million has been allocated this year, with further investment expected to bring the total to £24 million over the next four years.
The event also saw the unveiling of a Software Security Code of Practice, co-developed with industry and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). It offers clear guidance for organisations developing or selling software, aiming to reduce the risk of supply chain attacks and improve long-term resilience.
CyberUK also hosted a competition for cyber startups, with AI cyber firm Mindgard winning the title of most innovative SME.
Leading on global AI cyber standards
The UK’s AI Cyber Security Code of Practice, published earlier this year, has now informed a new global standard created by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). This technical specification outlines key steps to help secure AI systems and serves as the foundation for a full European Standard, which is expected to be finalised by the end of 2025.
Tackling enterprise IoT risks
A public call for views has been launched on how to secure enterprise-connected devices such as printers, innovative door systems, and room booking software. These devices often contain vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. The call for views is open until 7 July 2025.
Summary
- Over 13,000 Cyber Essentials certificates were issued last quarter, showing growing adoption of baseline cyber hygiene measures.
- The NCSC is seeking professionals to join its Cyber Advisor programme, which provides expert guidance to support SMEs.
- The new industrial strategy, published in June, includes dedicated plans and funding for the cyber sector.
- The updated national security strategy reaffirms a commitment to allocating 5% of GDP to national security by 2035, with cybersecurity playing a central role.
