A recent report from Armis has highlighted the growing concerns among UK organizations regarding state-sponsored cyber-attacks and their impact on critical digital transformation projects. The 2025 Armis Cyberwarfare Report surveyed over 1800 global IT decision-makers, including 501 from the UK, and analyzed data from Armis Labs.
According to the report, nearly half (49%) of UK organizations have faced disruptions to their digital initiatives due to the threat of cyber warfare attacks. This increase in disruptions has been attributed to the perceived risk of state-sponsored cyber-attacks, with 88% of UK IT decision-makers expressing concerns about the potential impact on their organization – a substantial rise of 32% from the previous year.
Furthermore, 47% of respondents admitted to experiencing cyber-attacks already and reporting them to the authorities, while 68% are reconsidering their suppliers amidst mounting geopolitical tensions. The looming threat of nation-state cyber-attacks has led to a sense of urgency among organizations to bolster their cybersecurity measures.
Despite efforts by network defenders, challenges such as complex regulations and skills gaps are hindering their ability to effectively combat cyber threats. Over half (52%) of UK ITDMs stated that their security teams are overwhelmed by complex regulations, while nearly half (48%) acknowledged a lack of in-house expertise to utilize AI-powered security tools. Additionally, budget and resource constraints were cited by 50% of respondents as barriers to investing in AI-based security solutions.
Andy Norton, European cyber risk officer at Armis, emphasized the need for businesses to adopt a proactive cybersecurity approach in the face of evolving threats. He warned that the cost of inaction could be significant, with many organizations only responding to attacks after they occur or once damage has been done. Norton stressed the importance of eliminating vulnerabilities before they can be exploited to mitigate the risks posed by cyber-attacks.
The report also identified China, Russia, and North Korea as the top cyber-threats to UK organizations, reflecting long-standing concerns about the cybersecurity landscape. Security experts have emphasized the crucial role of secure foundations in digital transformation projects, noting that lasting success can only be achieved with a strong focus on cybersecurity.
Looking ahead, it is evident that cybersecurity will continue to play a pivotal role in business transformation initiatives. A quarter of IT leaders highlighted security as the most important factor in driving transformation, underscoring the need for organizations to prioritize cybersecurity measures to safeguard their digital assets and mitigate the risks posed by cyber threats.