The Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Ipsos, and Perspective Economics worked together on the “Cyber Security Sectoral Analysis 2025.” This document looks at the UK environment for online safety measures. They identify 2,165 companies in this area, which is a slight rise from the previous survey. Combined turnover is listed at £13.2 billion, which is about 12% growth, and total value added stands near £7.8 billion.
The same publication states that these providers employ around 67,300 people, which is an increase of about 6,600 from earlier counts. Many are micro outfits, though larger names bring in much of the revenue.
Investment features in their conclusions as well, with roughly £206 million having come through external channels during the latest period, spread over 59 deals. Some funds supported younger ventures, while the rest went to more mature players in the field. The authors of the report view this as an indicator of ongoing enthusiasm in cybersecurity.
They also look at geographical distribution. Nearly half of these organisations operate outside London and the South East, with hotspots like the North West and Scotland attracting higher levels of funding than before. This range of locations signals significant growth potential across the country.
What Did the Palo Alto Networks Study Say about Complex Setups?
At its Ignite event in London, Palo Alto Networks released survey data showing that 64% of UK participants consider complex and scattered security tools a big reason behind slower responses to attacks. Half claim that training costs spike because each platform requires separate learning.
Many also associate this with heavier workloads and resignations. People with multiple dashboards can become fatigued. Only 41% of the surveyed group have largely consolidated their technology, suggesting that most stick with a multi-solution structure for now.
Scott McKinnon, Chief Security Officer for Palo Alto Networks in the UK, explained that fewer overlapping systems can ease everyday tasks. He mentioned that messy environments create extra procurement expenses as well. The findings suggest a shared belief that combining products in a more cohesive way cuts overhead and helps staff morale.
Is the Job Market Growing?
The DSIT, Ipsos, and Perspective Economics team reports an 11% increase in cybersecurity hires in a single year. Thousands of new roles span coding, incident detection, and forensic examinations. Well-known firms keep adding staff at a steady rate, while mid-tier businesses also show good figures.
Although more personnel enter the sector, individuals with niche skill sets are still prized. Certain employers organise internal academies or sponsor workshops that produce highly trained specialists. This tactic seems to fill a void, given that outside recruitment doesn’t always cover every gap.
Others tap local tech groups, universities, and fairs. Meeting candidates in person makes it easier to find a match for hands-on roles. Professional associations schedule gatherings where managers and course providers discuss the latest demands.
Pay rates keep going up in line with the intense hunt for specialised knowledge. Fields such as cryptanalysis, penetration testing, and stealth malware hunting often command premium salaries. Sector professionals say attractive packages inspire many to pursue cybersecurity as an ideal career path.
Many see these trends as connected to an ever-larger digital presence across every type of industry. More online transactions increase the need for resilient defences. That situation fuels continuous hiring so systems can be monitored and dealt with as soon as possible.
Are More AI Threats Happening?
Palo Alto Networks placed AI-driven intrusions high on the worry list for 62% of its UK survey respondents. Meanwhile, the DSIT, Ipsos, and Perspective Economics report emphasises data regulations as a priority.
8 in 10 UK-based participants still are confident in their own AI setups. They say quick data scanning uncovers unusual activities before trouble spreads. Model security is turning into a focal point, since coding errors or unsafe configurations can give attackers a route in.
Exercises called red teaming test AI tools by trying to exploit weaknesses under controlled conditions. The idea is to find cracks before real criminals spot them, which curbs the damage from a genuine assault.
Public departments, research centres, and private organisations share discoveries to handle these threats more effectively. They talk about improving ransomware, engineered phishing, and other methods that use unguarded entry points.
