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UK Companies Face Increasing Cyber Security Risks Across a Range of Threats, New Report Reveals

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  • ‘Cyber Security Report 2024/2025’ by Horizon3.ai for the United Kingdom
  • “Thinking that software can be made completely invulnerable or that conventional cyber security defences are sufficient is a common misjudgement,” warns cyber security expert Keith Poyser. “Most organisations today use dozens, if not hundreds, of software applications and solutions, creating an expansive attack surface. A vulnerability remains harmless only until a hacker uncovers how to exploit it. Real world exploitable vulnerabilities are chained together to form effective attack paths, with clear business impact. This very real risk presents numerous potential threats, underscoring the importance for companies to strengthen their defences before an attack occurs, across all attack surfaces…and that means testing from an attacker’s perspective.”

London, December 16 2024 – Hackers employ a wide range of tactics, techniques, and procedures to exploit vulnerabilities in software. At the same time, they use targeted phishing attacks, third-party data breaches, and open-source information (OSINT) to gain access to a user’s credentials, which can provide the much needed gateway to valuable systems and data. This is a key takeaway from the “Cyber Security Report UK 2024/25” by Horizon3.ai, which surveyed 150 organisations across the United Kingdom. The findings reveal that almost half of these organisations (48%) regard stolen user and admin credentials as one of the most significant cyber security threats they face. Additionally, an overwhelming 42% of respondents (who could select multiple threats) identify insufficiently secured data and/or unknown data stores as a significant potential risk to their organisations.

Another key finding reveals that more than a quarter (29%) of companies consider attacks via unpatched but known security vulnerabilities in corporate networks to be a major threat. These are software vulnerabilities that are already known, with a patch available from the vendor, but have yet to be patched by the companies using the software. An additional 27% are concerned about incorrectly configured software and/or hardware devices as a source of potential risk to their organisations. “These issues are a prime opportunity for cybercriminals. At the end of the day, a considerable proportion of the successful cyberattacks are the result of human error,” Keith Poyser, Vice President for EMEA at cyber security company Horizon3.ai, explains.

Penetration Testing as a Solution to Cyber Threats

“With hundreds of programmes in use, most organisations can no longer keep up with the vulnerabilities being discovered in the software they use, plus the other security gaps that emerge almost daily,” says Poyser. To address this, he recommends continuous penetration testing—self-assessments of an organisation’s infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities and other weaknesses in advance. According to the survey, nearly a third of organisations (32%) do not conduct penetration tests. “Autonomous penetration tests are easy to implement, cost-effective, and most importantly, proactively test your environment from an attacker’s perspective —exactly what is needed in the face of the rapidly increasing cybercrime threat,” argues Poyser.

The “Cyber Security Report UK 2024/25” underscores the growing severity of cyber threats: 69% of the companies surveyed revealed they had fallen victim to a cyberattack at least once in the past two years. The survey, which gathered insights from 150 executives and IT professionals, covers a diverse range of industries and critical infrastructures, including telecommunications, manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, education, and research.

Diverse Cyber Threats Pose Growing Challenges to Organisations

Other potential threats identified by the surveyed executives include: Zero-day and/or N-day vulnerabilities (20%), poor or inadequate security controls (16%), shadow IT—using software or hardware unknown to the company’s IT team (14%), weak and/or unenforced security policies (5%), insufficient security budgets (4%), and little or no attention to security (2%).

“Managers are recognising that a combination of cyber risks within their organisations is becoming increasingly difficult to manage,” says security expert Keith Poyser. In his view, a a solution is clear: “Companies must regularly test the security of their IT infrastructures through self-initiated attacks in the form of continuous, autonomous penetration testing that focuses on real world exploitable attack paths, prioritises, shows remediation and then verifies that the attack path is fixed. Simulation and vulnerability scanning had their place, but real world, production environment testing is what is needed for modern threats.”

Cyberattacks Threaten Business Continuity and Financial Stability

“It is no surprise that Richard Horne of the NCSC recently issued such a stark warning on cyber security,” says Poyser. The new CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said in a recent speech that cyber risk in the UK is “widely underestimated” and that the gap between the exposure and threat we face and the defenses that are in place to protect us is widening. “The increasing frequency and complexity of these attacks highlights the urgent need for organisations to strengthen their cyber security defences and remediate exploitable weaknesses to protect themselves from financial and reputational damage,” adds Poyser.

If critical data falls into the hands of cybercriminals, it can result in major outages and significant financial losses. This is evident as 62% and 54% of surveyed companies reported experiencing downtime and ransom demands, respectively. Additionally, the costs associated with data recovery are considerable, alongside the extra workload and potential legal ramifications for the business. Data breaches are especially damaging to critical infrastructures, as they can compromise the functionality of vital systems.

Majority of Companies Underequipped Against Attacks

Shocking 66% of the surveyed companies admitted that they have little to no adequate protection against cyberattacks, while only 17% have taken measures but consider them insufficient. Just 9% were confident that their protection against cyberattacks is complete.

“These results show that while awareness of the importance of robust protection against cyberattacks is growing, resources to meet the challenge are often lacking. For years, cyber security has been defined by defensive and reactive measures that are simply too slow in an environment of aggressive, increasingly AI-driven cyberattacks,” says Keith Poyser. Instead, the security expert is urging organisations to adopt a more proactive approach in order to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. This is the only way companies can effectively protect their systems and deal with the ever-growing threats in cyberspace.

About Horizon3.ai and NodeZero: Horizon3.ai provides a cloud-based platform, NodeZero, enabling organisations and public authorities to simulate self-assessments 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-assessment 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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Quantum Computing Breakthroughs: Disrupting Industries with Oxford’s Innovations

A recent breakthrough in quantum computing at the University of Oxford promises to disrupt multiple industries by significantly enhancing computational capabilities. Explore the technological implications and potential disruptions poised to redefine sectors.

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In May 2026, the University of Oxford announced a significant breakthrough in the field of quantum computing, unveiling an advanced error correction algorithm that has the potential to transform computational capabilities. This development is not just a scientific triumph; it heralds a new era of technological disruption across multiple industries. Quantum computing, long anticipated as the next frontier in technology, promises to solve complex problems beyond the reach of classical computers, and Oxford’s latest advancement brings this closer to reality.

At the core of this breakthrough is the enhancement in quantum error correction, a critical component that addresses the inherent instability of qubits, which are the fundamental units of quantum information. Traditional computers use bits of 0s and 1s, but quantum computers operate on qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This superposition allows quantum computers to process information exponentially faster than classical computers. However, qubits are notoriously prone to errors due to environmental noise and operational inaccuracies. Oxford’s new algorithm significantly improves the error correction process, maintaining qubit stability longer and allowing extended computational tasks to be performed accurately.

The implications of this are profound. Industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to finance stand on the cusp of disruption as quantum computing offers the ability to model complex molecular structures, optimize large-scale financial portfolios, and even revolutionize artificial intelligence algorithms. In pharmaceuticals, for example, quantum computing can expedite drug discovery by accurately simulating molecular interactions, potentially reducing the time and cost associated with bringing new drugs to market. Similarly, in finance, quantum algorithms can optimize trading strategies and risk management with a precision unattainable by current technologies.

Moreover, the ripple effects of such a leap in computational power extend to data encryption and cybersecurity. Quantum computers possess the potential to decrypt classical encryption methods, prompting a race for quantum-resistant cryptography. This necessitates a paradigm shift in how we secure digital information, affecting every sector that relies on data security.

Despite the tremendous promise, the transition to quantum computing is not without its challenges. The infrastructure required to support quantum technologies is expensive and complex. There is also a significant skills gap; experts in quantum computing are scarce, and training a new generation of scientists and engineers is imperative. Furthermore, ethical considerations regarding the power of quantum computing must be addressed, particularly in terms of privacy and security.

Looking forward, as quantum computing continues to evolve, industries will need to adapt swiftly to harness its capabilities. Early adopters who invest in quantum technologies and develop quantum-ready strategies will likely dominate in the coming decade. As Oxford’s breakthrough demonstrates, the race is on to fully realize the potential of quantum computing and redefine the boundaries of what is technologically possible.

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Apple’s AI Innovations: Shaping the Competitive Landscape in 2026

Apple’s latest advancements in artificial intelligence are setting the stage for a competitive showdown with other tech giants. This article explores how Apple’s AI strategy is positioning the company in the fast-evolving tech landscape.

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In the bustling realm of technology, few companies command as much attention as Apple. In 2026, the Silicon Valley titan has once again captured the tech world’s gaze with its latest advances in artificial intelligence. As Apple unveils a suite of AI-driven innovations, the competitive landscape is poised for a seismic shift.

Apple’s strategic focus on AI is not merely about introducing new features but is a calculated move to redefine user experiences while maintaining its staunch advocacy for privacy. At the heart of Apple’s AI initiatives is the promise of personalization—an AI that learns and adapts to the user’s preferences, offering seamless interaction across its range of devices. This focus is especially pertinent in an era where user data is a hot commodity, and privacy concerns are at an all-time high.

What sets Apple apart in the AI race is its dual emphasis on innovation and privacy. While competitors like Google and Amazon have long been heralded for their AI prowess, often prioritizing expansive data collection to fuel their AI engines, Apple has carved out a niche by leveraging on-device processing. This approach not only mitigates privacy risks but also enhances real-time responsiveness, a crucial factor in user satisfaction.

The competitive implications of Apple’s AI advancements are profound. Google’s AI, renowned for its search and recommendation algorithms, faces a formidable challenger in Apple’s ecosystem-centric approach. Meanwhile, Amazon’s Alexa, which dominates the smart assistant market, must contend with Apple’s Siri, now equipped with enhanced contextual understanding and predictive capabilities.

Microsoft, another major player, has been making strides with its integration of AI in cloud services and productivity tools. However, Apple’s holistic approach—integrating AI across hardware, software, and services—presents a cohesive strategy that is difficult to replicate. This integration not only ensures a seamless user experience but also reinforces brand loyalty, a cornerstone of Apple’s business model.

As AI continues to evolve, the stakes in the tech industry are higher than ever. Apple’s innovations are not just about keeping pace but are strategically designed to place the company at the forefront of the AI revolution. In doing so, Apple is not only safeguarding its market position but is also setting new benchmarks in how technology can enhance and secure our digital lives.

The road ahead will undoubtedly see further advancements and competition, but Apple’s current trajectory suggests it is well-positioned to lead in the AI domain. By prioritizing user-centric design and privacy, Apple is not just participating in the AI race; it is setting the pace.

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AI Fitness Instructors and Unreal Gains: Revolutionizing the Fitness Industry

The rise of AI-driven fitness programs is transforming the fitness industry. Explore the technology, its impact on traditional fitness models, and how it is reshaping consumer expectations.

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Artificial intelligence is making its mark across various sectors, and the fitness industry is no exception. With the advent of AI-driven fitness instructors, there is a seismic shift underway in how fitness is perceived and pursued. This article delves into the rise of AI in fitness, examining the technology behind it, its effects on traditional fitness models, and the shifting expectations of consumers.

In recent years, AI fitness instructors have become increasingly popular, offering personalized workout programs, real-time feedback, and virtual coaching. These AI systems utilize advanced algorithms to tailor fitness routines that adapt to an individual’s progress and preferences, making fitness more accessible and engaging than ever before.

At the core of AI fitness instructors is sophisticated machine learning technology. These systems collect data from various sources, such as wearable devices and user inputs, to create personalized fitness plans. AI analyzes this data to optimize workouts, ensuring they are challenging yet achievable, and provides insights that were previously accessible only through one-on-one sessions with human trainers.

The integration of AI into fitness is transforming traditional models. Gyms and fitness centers are incorporating AI technologies to enhance their offerings, while some consumers opt for entirely virtual experiences. This shift is challenging the status quo, pushing traditional trainers to adapt by integrating technology into their own practices to remain competitive.

As AI fitness programs become more prevalent, consumer expectations are evolving. Users now demand more personalized and flexible fitness solutions that fit into their busy lifestyles. AI provides this adaptability, offering users the ability to engage in workouts anytime, anywhere, without compromising on quality or effectiveness.

Looking ahead, the role of AI in fitness is set to expand. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative solutions that enhance user experience and outcomes. AI-driven gamification elements, for example, are already being explored to increase engagement and motivation.


The rise of AI fitness instructors represents a significant evolution in the fitness industry. By offering personalized, accessible, and innovative solutions, AI is not only transforming how people engage with fitness but also challenging traditional models and expectations. As this technology continues to develop, the potential for further disruption and improvement in the fitness sector is immense.

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