Cyberthreats are evolving at an alarming rate, and as modern businesses continue to rely more and more on digital platforms, the potential risks of a cyberattack only continue to grow.
Keeping networks and data safe must be a top priority for any UK business, and as attacks adopt more sophisticated breaching methods, traditional security measures are no longer enough. Many advanced cybersecurity protocols have been introduced in recent years and using tech solutions to provide protections has become increasingly popular.
But it’s not always about fighting fire with fire. Digital tools to accommodate developments in AI and automation do, of course, have a role to play. However, there’s still genuine value in getting human insights – be that an internal CISO or an external cyber security consultant.
Need more convincing? Remember that research has shown human error to be the cause of a breach in between 85% and 95% of cases. The solution to this, more often than not, is training and expertise to pinpoint how organisations can make themselves more resilient and responsible.
The valuable role of AI and automation
AI is changing the game in numerous industries, and cyber security is no exception. Driven by AI, automation is transforming the way that activities such as penetration tests are carried out, allowing security experts to perform comprehensive assessments more frequently, and with less manual effort.
AI-powered pen testing tools are designed to replicate the behaviour of a skilled human hacker but can do so at a much faster pace. By automatically scanning networks, identifying weaknesses, and executing complex fake attacks to test defences, automated tech is helping businesses continuously monitor their systems for vulnerabilities.
The importance of human experience
According to a 2023 report by Accenture, 63% of UK businesses feel that AI and automation will enhance their cybersecurity capabilities significantly over the next five years, but it’s important to note that these advanced tools aren’t a replacement for the human experience.
AI lacks creativity and contextual understanding, and with advanced threats and targeted attacks often requiring a nuanced approach, seasoned penetration testers are still very much necessary.
Social engineering attacks, for example, exploit human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities, and so require a deep understanding of human behaviour to defend against.
Also read: 5 Benefits of Process Automation
New and emerging threats
Digital advancements like AI and automation might be enhancing the capabilities of pen testing, but this is counteracted by an array of new and emerging threats. In fact, one of the most concerning trends is the use of AI by malicious actors to create adaptive malware. This can alter its behaviour to evade detection by common security systems.
There is also a rise in ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS), which has made it easier for cybercriminals to access systems. Even those with limited tech knowledge can purchase kits on the dark web and begin attacking immediately.
As such, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) reported a 20% increase in ransomware attacks in 2023 in the UK, with a financial impact of more than £2.6 billion.
Our continued reliance on the cloud is also causing concern, as cloud systems expand the potential attack surface, creating new vulnerabilities. Pen testing in cloud environments will require specialist tools and knowledge, as traditional methods may not be enough to identify weaknesses in cloud-native infrastructure.
The future of cybersecurity
As the threat landscape evolves, the importance of an effective cyber security consultant only grows. Adopting a proactive approach to security and risk management is vital. According to the 2025 Cyber Security Breaches Survey, 39% of UK businesses plan to increase their spending on cybersecurity over the next year. By combining the advances of modern tech with the tried and tested expertise of experienced cybersecurity professionals, businesses can protect their data in a volatile digital landscape.
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