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Study Warns on “Head-in-the-Sand” Approach to Cybersecurity

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  • “Cyber Security Report 2024/2025” by Horizon3.ai for the United
    Kingdom
  • Cybersecurity expert Keith Poyser: “Half of companies neglect
    regular assessments of their operational cyber risks, despite it being
    essential to protect themselves from potential threats and comply with
    modern legislation.”

At least half of UK organisations are neglecting to assess their
operational cyber risks, despite the increasing threats in the
cybersecurity landscape and the requirements of regulations such as DORA
and NIS2, according to Keith Poyser, Vice President for EMEA at
cybersecurity company Horizon3.ai. He cites findings from Horizon3.ai’s
“Cyber Security Report 2024/2025”, which surveyed 150 UK organisations.
The report reveals that only 23% of the companies regularly conduct risk
assessments of their IT infrastructure to determine how vulnerable they
are to cyberattacks.

Industry veteran Keith Poyser raises a key concern: “Regular assessment
of operational cybersecurity is essential to meet both current and
forthcoming legal requirements for IT security. This includes the Cyber
Security and Resilience Bill, set to be introduced to Parliament this
year, alongside European regulations like the Cyber Resilience Act
(CRA), which also impact UK organisations working with EU partners.
Moreover, ongoing evaluations are the only effective way to mitigate the
potentially severe consequences of cyberattacks. Companies that neglect
to assess their cyber resilience are knowingly putting themselves at
considerable risk.”

Cyber Resilience Requires Regular Maintenance

Nearly a third of organisations acknowledge their weaknesses in this
area, according to the survey. While 31% currently do not conduct cyber
risk assessments, they intend to address this gap in the future.
However, 29% perform assessments only once a year, a quickly out-of-date
snapshot, which is insufficient to stay ahead of evolving threats.

The government’s Cyber security breaches survey 2024* estimates
that UK businesses had experienced approximately 7.78 million cyber
crimes of all types within 12 months. “Limiting penetration testing,
getting a true attacker’s perspective, of your computing and cloud
environments to just once a year borders on negligence,” warns Poyser.
He offers a striking analogy: “It’s like taking your car for an MOT once
every hundred years. It might survive the century, but the odds are far
from being in your favour.”

Head-in-the-Sand Policy on Cybersecurity

According to the study, 13% of companies do not test their defences
against cyberattacks at all—leaving them to be “tested” only by an
actual attack. Furthermore, 11% have no plans to change this approach in
the future. The remaining respondents either saw no need for such
measures, were unable to provide an answer, or stated in the survey: “We
are not aware of any cyber risks.”

Cybersecurity leader Poyser criticises “a widespread
head-in-the-sand-approach to cybersecurity” in many organisations. He
explains: “Businesses install common defensive devices like firewalls,
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Cloud Native Application
Protection Programmes (CNAPPs), and similar defensive security tooling,
then simply rely on them to keep all types of attacks away from their
environments. Penetration tests to assess the effectiveness of these
measures are rarely carried out.” This could explain why 23% of the
organisations surveyed admit they have no idea whether they have
suffered a cyberattack in the past two years.

From Defensive to Proactive: The Key to Cybersecurity Success

The survey reveals a concerning imbalance in cybersecurity strategies
and suggests that the lack of preparedness in cybersecurity may stem
from passive and uncertain approaches to security strategies. 34% of
companies reported that they solely rely on defensive measures without
actively testing their resilience, while 21% at least conduct occasional
offensive exercises. Only 7% regularly engage in structured Red and Blue
Team testing, and 15% recognise the need for offensive security but lack
the know-how to implement it. Meanwhile, 18% delegate these crucial
tasks to external consultants. This reactive mindset leaves many
organisations exposed to potential cyber threats.

This reliance on external expertise extends to risk assessments as well.
Among companies that conduct annual or periodic evaluations, 16% handle
them in-house, while 42% bring in external service providers. A pentest
involves a full-scale simulated cyberattack on a company’s IT
infrastructure to test its resilience against real-world threats. As US
cybersecurity expert Bruce Schneier aptly put it, “You can’t defend. You
can’t prevent. The only thing you can do is detect and respond.”

Cybersecurity expert Poyser confirms: “The UK economy relies far too
heavily on the assumption that defense systems will work when needed,
without systematically verifying their effectiveness. We need to shift
from a defensive to a more proactive offensive approach to tackle
cybersecurity crises.”

* https://ots.de/pTA7ra

About Horizon3.ai and NodeZero: Horizon3.ai provides a
cloud-based platform, NodeZero, enabling organisations and public
authorities to simulate self-attacks on their IT infrastructure to
assess their cyber resilience through penetration testing (pentesting).
Thanks to its cloud model, the platform offers affordable, regular
pentesting, making it accessible to mid-sized companies. Horizon3.ai
continuously monitors the cybercrime landscape to ensure that newly
discovered vulnerabilities are swiftly integrated into the cloud system.
NodeZero not only identifies security flaws but also offers tailored
recommendations for remediation. Through this platform, Horizon3.ai
helps organisations meet rising regulatory demands for cyber resilience
in Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC), with guidelines recommending an
internal self-attack at least once a week.

Trademark notice: NodeZero is a trademark of Horizon3.ai

Further information:
Horizon3.AI Europe GmbH, Sebastian-Kneipp-Str. 41, 60439 Frankfurt am Main, Web: www.horizon3.ai

PR Agency: euromarcom public relations GmbH, Tel. +49 611 973150, Web: www.euromarcom.de, E-Mail: [email protected]

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EU’s Regulatory Shift: A Boon for Small Tech Firms

New EU regulations targeting tech monopolies promise to level the playing field, offering unprecedented opportunities for smaller tech companies to thrive. Explore how these changes could reshape the industry.

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In a decisive move aimed at curbing the dominance of technology giants, the European Union has implemented a suite of new regulations designed to foster competition and innovation within the industry. Announced by the European Commission on May 21, 2026, these measures are part of a broader strategy to dismantle monopolistic practices and empower smaller players in the tech sector. The Financial Times reported that this regulatory shift could herald a new era for startups and small businesses, offering them a unique opportunity to compete on a more level playing field.

For years, the EU has tussled with tech behemoths over issues ranging from data privacy to market monopolies. These latest regulations, however, mark a significant escalation in the EU’s efforts to promote fair competition. By targeting the monopolistic practices that have long stifled smaller competitors, the EU aims to dismantle barriers that have historically protected the interests of large corporations. This shift is timely, as innovation increasingly emerges from smaller tech companies that often lack the resources to challenge established giants.

The current regulatory framework introduces stringent measures that impose limits on data sharing, promote transparency in algorithms, and mandate interoperability between platforms. These measures, as detailed by the European Commission, aim to dismantle the walls that have allowed tech giants to corner markets and stifle competition. Smaller firms, often more agile and innovative, stand to benefit immensely. By ensuring that platforms cannot unfairly prioritize their own services, these regulations open doors for startups to enter markets previously dominated by a few large players.

Market analysts have noted that these changes could lead to a renaissance in tech innovation across Europe. Smaller companies, unburdened by the constraints of battling entrenched incumbents, are likely to experiment with new technologies and business models. For instance, the requirement for interoperability could lead to the development of new collaborative platforms that challenge existing ecosystems. As a result, consumers may see a surge in diverse product offerings tailored to specific needs, driven by smaller companies eager to carve out niche markets.

The response from tech giants has been predictably cautious. While some have expressed willingness to comply, others have raised concerns about the potential for stifling innovation and increasing operational costs. However, proponents of the regulations argue that true innovation thrives in competitive environments. By breaking the hold of tech monopolies, the EU is not only fostering a fairer market but also driving the industry towards a more dynamic and responsive future.

Looking ahead, these regulatory changes could catalyze a shift in the global tech landscape. As smaller companies gain traction and challenge the status quo, the ripple effects may extend beyond Europe, influencing regulatory approaches worldwide. This development promises to reshape the dynamics of the tech industry, offering a glimpse of a future where innovation is driven by diversity and competition, rather than the dominance of a select few.

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AI Revolutionizes Cryptocurrency Trading with Real-Time Analysis

AI algorithms are transforming cryptocurrency trading by offering real-time analysis and unprecedented efficiency. This article explores the technological advancements and their impact on the crypto market.

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Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the cryptocurrency trading landscape, a fact made clear by recent reports from Bloomberg. The integration of AI algorithms into trading strategies is providing unprecedented real-time analysis and efficiency, a development that is attracting significant attention from investors eager to capitalize on the volatile yet lucrative crypto markets.

In May 2026, Bloomberg highlighted how AI technologies are enabling traders to process vast amounts of market data at speeds unattainable by human analysts. This capability allows for the detection of patterns and trends that might otherwise go unnoticed, offering a competitive edge to those who harness these tools. The real-time nature of these analyses means traders can make decisions based on the most current market conditions, enhancing the potential for profitable trades.

The application of AI in cryptocurrency trading is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical reality transforming investment strategies. For instance, hedge funds and institutional investors are increasingly relying on machine learning models to predict price movements and optimize trading algorithms. These models can analyze a myriad of factors, from market sentiment to historical price data, adjusting trading strategies dynamically in response to new information.

AI’s role in enhancing trading efficiency is particularly crucial in the cryptocurrency markets, where volatility is a constant challenge. The ability to swiftly process and react to market changes can mean the difference between a lucrative trade and a significant loss. This agility is driving interest from tech-savvy investors who are keen to leverage innovation for financial gain.

However, the rise of AI in cryptocurrency trading is not without its challenges. Regulators are grappling with the implications of these technologies, as traditional oversight mechanisms struggle to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. There is an ongoing debate about the need for new regulatory frameworks to ensure fair and transparent trading practices.

Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of AI in cryptocurrency trading are substantial. As the technology continues to evolve, it is likely to drive further innovation in the financial sector, offering new opportunities for growth and investment. Investors and firms that can effectively integrate AI into their trading strategies are poised to thrive in this new digital era.

The future of cryptocurrency trading appears increasingly intertwined with AI technology. As more traders adopt these advanced tools, the market dynamics will likely shift, favoring those who can adapt quickly to technological changes. The ongoing integration of AI into cryptocurrency trading not only heralds a new era of financial innovation but also underscores the transformative power of technology in shaping the future of finance.

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Business & Finance

The Rise of Green Finance in Europe: Challenges and Limitations

Explore the burgeoning field of green finance in Europe, focusing on the critical challenges and limitations that could shape its future. This article provides a thorough analysis of the barriers to sustainable investment growth and the potential implications for investors.

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As the sun rises over Europe’s financial districts, a new wave of investment strategies is beginning to take shape. Green finance, a term that encapsulates financial investments flowing into sustainable and environmentally friendly projects, is gaining traction across the continent. However, beneath the surface of this promising trend lie significant challenges that could impede its progress.

The current landscape of green finance in Europe is characterized by an increasing number of funds and initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable development. The European Union has been at the forefront, implementing a comprehensive framework that encourages green investments. This includes the EU Green Deal and the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), which aim to direct capital flows towards sustainable economic activities. Despite these efforts, the journey towards a universally green financial system is fraught with obstacles.

One of the primary challenges facing green finance is the lack of standardized definitions and metrics. What exactly constitutes a ‘green’ investment can vary significantly across regions and sectors, leading to confusion and inconsistency. This lack of clarity can result in greenwashing, where investments are marketed as sustainable without meeting rigorous environmental criteria. The absence of a unified taxonomy complicates efforts to assess and compare the sustainability of different financial products.

Moreover, the transition to green finance is hindered by the existing financial infrastructure. Traditional financial systems are deeply entrenched, often prioritizing short-term gains over long-term sustainability. This systemic inertia makes it difficult for green initiatives to gain a foothold. Additionally, many investors are still skeptical about the profitability of sustainable investments, perceiving them as risky or less lucrative compared to conventional options.

Another significant limitation is the uneven distribution of green finance across Europe. While countries like Germany and the Nordic nations have made substantial progress in integrating sustainable practices, others lag behind due to economic and regulatory disparities. This imbalance poses a challenge to achieving a cohesive and effective green finance strategy across the continent.

The role of technology and innovation in overcoming these challenges cannot be overstated. Advancements in fintech, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, have the potential to enhance transparency and efficiency in green finance. These technologies can help track and verify the environmental impact of investments, thus building trust and credibility in the market.

Despite these hurdles, the future of green finance in Europe holds promising opportunities. As awareness of climate change grows, so does the demand for sustainable financial products. Investors are increasingly recognizing the long-term benefits of aligning their portfolios with environmental goals. Furthermore, regulatory pressures and societal expectations are likely to drive more companies towards sustainable practices, thereby expanding the scope of green finance.

In conclusion, while the rise of green finance in Europe is a step in the right direction, it is not without its challenges. Addressing the issues of standardization, infrastructure, and regional disparities will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of sustainable investments. As Europe navigates these complexities, the outcome will not only shape the future of its financial markets but also its commitment to a sustainable global economy.

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