The head of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Dr Richard Horne, has issued a call to international allies for a more unified approach to close the widening gap between escalating cyber threats and defence capabilities.
Speaking at Singapore International Cyber Week, Dr Horne urged stronger global resilience to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber security threats.
Dr Horne, recently appointed as CEO of GCHQ’s NCSC, highlighted the impact of technological dependence on society, stating: “Increased dependence on technology is driving growth and transforming societies, creating exciting new opportunities. It also exposes us to greater cyber risks. Without collective action, we risk widening the gap between the escalating threats to our societies, critical services, and businesses, and our ability to defend and be resilient.”
The cyber threat landscape, Dr Horne warned, is becoming more complex, with severe incidents on the rise. The NCSC has already responded to a 50% increase in nationally significant incidents in 2024 and has seen a threefold rise in severe incidents. Dr Horne emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to build cyber resilience and integrate security into technology development: “To close this gap, we need coordinated global efforts to strengthen cyber resilience, ensure security is built into technology from the outset, and prepare both the public and private sectors to not only defend but also recover swiftly from destructive cyber attacks.”
In addition to the rise in attacks, Dr Horne noted the expanded capabilities of cyber adversaries, once confined to state actors but now accessible to a wider range of well-resourced groups. Speaking on ransomware, he pointed to the success of global initiatives like the Counter Ransomware Initiative: “The data confirms why global collaboration is more critical than ever. The Counter Ransomware Initiative is a perfect example of this, and I am very proud to work alongside our friends and hosts in Singapore to make it a success.”
He further referenced recent guidelines endorsed by 39 nations and eight insurance bodies to guide organisations on ransomware payment decisions, marking it as a milestone in international cyber cooperation.
Dr Horne also emphasised the need for long-term technology resilience, calling for proactive security measures throughout the lifecycle of digital products: “Today’s innovation is tomorrow’s legacy. The innovative technologies we are building today will become the legacy technologies of tomorrow. We must adopt a lifecycle management approach to ensure they remain secure and resilient in the future.” He urged that government involvement is crucial to setting standards and guiding discussions on cyber security.
In closing, Dr Horne acknowledged the strategic partnership with Singapore and his appreciation for David Koh, Chief Executive of the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore. “Choosing Singapore International Cyber Week as my first overseas visit as CEO of NCSC underscores the strategic importance I place on our relationship with Singapore and reinforces my wider commitment to meaningful cyber dialogue across the region.”
