Here’s a look at the key stories shaping the August cybersecurity conversation.
One of the most alarming stories this month involves Colt, a contractor working with the Ministry of Defence. A cyberattack on their systems exposed sensitive data tied to Afghan nationals in the UK’s resettlement scheme. The implications are huge, not just for national security but for the safety of individuals who trusted the system to protect their identities.
It’s a stark reminder that cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls and passwords. When third-party vendors are involved, the risks and consequences multiply.
After more than three months offline, Marks & Spencer’s Click and Collect service is back. The retailer was hit by a cyberattack in April 2025 that cost them £300 million and disrupted operations across the board.
Whilst the services are now restored, the incident highlights how vulnerable even the biggest names in retail are. Cyberattacks ripple out to customers, supply chains and bottom lines.
New research from Commvault and GigaOm paints a worrying picture. Ninety-three percent of UK businesses have experienced a business-critical cyber incident. That’s more than any other country.
Even more concerning, UK firms are less likely to have proper recovery environments or test their response plans regularly. While many have mapped out critical systems and assigned roles for incident response, outdated infrastructure is still a major hurdles.
Awareness is growing, but resilience is lagging behind.
The UK government is planning to ban public sector organizations from paying ransoms to cybercriminals. The idea is simple – stop feeding the beast.
Under the new rules, public bodies won’t be allowed to make ransom payments. Private companies will also need to report any payments they do make. It’s a significant shift in strategy aimed at reducing the incentive for attacks and strengthening national cyber defences.
Cybersecurity at its core is a business issue, a policy issue and increasingly a human issue. This month’s headlines show just how high the stakes are and how urgently we need to rethink our approach to digital resilience.
Whether you’re running a business, working in IT or just trying to keep your personal data safe, when it comes to cybersecurity, staying informed really is half the battle.
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