The systems that underpin the UK’s critical national infrastructure are under increasing cyber threat, according to a report from cyber security services firm, Bridewell.

Some 72% of cyber security decision makers at UK CNI organisations have reported a rise in attacks since the start of the Ukraine war.

The study, conducted among 521 cyber security decision makers in the communications, utilities, finance, government and transport and aviation sectors, reveals a high degree of concern about cyber warfare.

Over three quarters (78%) are worried about the threat of cyber warfare against the UK’s critical national infrastructure with a quarter concerned that their systems are vulnerable. This raises concerns over the safety of the UK’s critical infrastructure with one in ten also fearing their team wouldn’t be able to cope with a cyber warfare attack.

Concern over cyber warfare is significantly higher in the transport and aviation sector with 93% worried about the threat. Over 8 in 10 (86%) report increased cyber attacks since the start of the Ukraine war and 69% worry their systems are vulnerable.

“As attacks rise in sophistication and volume, operators of critical national infrastructure must collaborate more effectively and share intelligence needed to protect infrastructure and society,” said Martin Riley, director of Managed Security Services at Bridewell.

“Great progress has been made across the industry since the introduction of the NIS Regulations but it’s now imperative that organisations include threat intelligence in their cyber security strategies to strengthen resilience. Developing a culture of information-sharing among peers and supply chains is key to protecting our infrastructure and citizens.”

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