Building a Cyber-Resilient UK: Insights from NCRCG's Annual Report 2023-24

As CGI’s Cyber Ambassador to the National Cyber Resilience Centre Group (NCRCG), I recently had the opportunity to host a meeting with the NCRCG at our London Fenchurch Street office. Reflecting on this event and the release of NCRCG’s 2023-24 Annual Report, it’s clear that the group has made significant progress in enhancing cyber resilience across the UK’s SME sector. With small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) making up 99% of the UK’s private sector, their cyber defences are critical to the nation’s overall security.

Strengthening the SME Community

The NCRCG’s focus on supporting SMEs has been instrumental in building a more resilient digital economy. The network’s nine regional Cyber Resilience Centres (CRCs) have successfully engaged over 10,500 SMEs, providing them with free membership and access to high-quality guidance to strengthen their cyber defences. This support is crucial as many SMEs often lack dedicated cyber expertise, and their vulnerability can impact not only their businesses but the wider economy.

At CGI, we understand the importance of this. With our 40-year heritage in providing security advice and support, I believe our role as an NCRCG ambassador is to share our knowledge and help SMEs navigate the complexities of cyber resilience.

Collaboration is Key

One of the key takeaways from both the report and our recent meeting is the power of collaboration. The NCRCG’s National Ambassador programme has fostered an environment of shared knowledge and collective action between regional centres and global businesses. Our discussions at the event highlighted how partnerships between the private sector, law enforcement, and academia are critical to addressing cyber threats.

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a CGI ambassador is the opportunity to collaborate with other NCRCG ambassadors. By working alongside leaders from industry, government, and law enforcement, we can ensure that our communities -particularly SMEs -are better equipped to face the growing challenges of cybercrime.

Innovating with Cyber PATH

I’m also particularly excited about the NCRCG’s Cyber PATH programme, which addresses the UK’s cyber skills shortage. The programme is a fantastic way to develop future talent by offering students vital workplace experience and training in cyber resilience. Seeing how 72 students have already benefitted from the initiative, with many securing roles at top organisations, underscores the importance of building a strong talent pipeline for the future.

At CGI, we are passionate about nurturing the next generation of cyber professionals. The success of individuals like Sophie Powell, who was named Cyber Student of the Year 2023, is a testament to the real-world impact of this programme.

Looking Ahead

The NCRCG’s future plans are ambitious, and rightfully so. By 2027, the group aims to register 100,000 SMEs and significantly expand the Cyber PATH programme. These goals reflect the growing importance of cyber resilience in today’s digital economy.

For me, the alignment between CGI’s business values of partnership and corporate social responsibility and the NCRCG’s mission is clear. I’m proud to be part of this pioneering initiative, where we can collaborate to improve resilience across sectors and create a stronger, more secure digital future for all.

I encourage anyone interested to read the full NCRCG Annual Report and see how we are collectively making a difference in the world of cyber resilience.

To find out more about CGI’s work in Cyber security visit our web page.