Pulse CISO 360 Conference, Edinburgh

It was a pleasure to speak at the Pulse CISO 360 Conference in Edinburgh on 29 April 2026. My speech addressed the threats facing the UK and teh launch of the Resilience Imperative to counter them.

Here is my speech:

RESILIENCE IMPERATIVE AND HYBRID THREATS

Britain is facing a perfect storm of cyber and hybrid attacks. Richard Horne, CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre, recently warned that the UK handled more than 200 nationally significant cyber incidents last year — double the previous year. Most originated directly or indirectly from hostile states including Russia, China, North Korea and Iran.

These attacks are not isolated technical problems. They are part of an undeclared grey war designed to weaken, divide and intimidate democracies across Europe. The UK is a prime target politically, strategically and commercially.

Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the scale and intensity of hybrid attacks has accelerated. Russia uses agents, criminal gangs, cyber warfare, sabotage and disinformation to create disruption while avoiding direct military confrontation.

We are dangerously slow to recognise the scale of the threat. For decades Britain assumed war happened “over there” and that, as an island nation, we were safe. That illusion has gone. Today attacks on our infrastructure, communications, businesses and public services are happening constantly.

The consequences are real. Cyber-attacks have crippled major retailers, disrupted NHS services and targeted defence industries. Russian spy ships monitor undersea cables and communications. Suspicious fires, sabotage incidents and interference with transport systems are increasing across Europe.

Scotland is far from exempt. Government agencies, universities, health boards and private companies have all faced rising levels of cyber-attack. The defence sector and any organisation supporting Ukraine are particularly vulnerable.

The challenge is not only military capability but public awareness. General Sir Richard Barrons, co-author of the Strategic Defence Review, supports our campaign because resilience depends on society understanding the danger and being prepared.

That is why we launched The Resilience Imperative.

Our mission is simple: tell the country the truth. Britain faces growing hostile threats, and resilience must become a national priority.

Public opinion polling shows deep concern. Most people believe the UK is poorly prepared for conflict and lack confidence in the nation’s ability to defend itself or maintain normal life during a crisis.

The first duty of government is the protection of its citizens. But resilience also requires public engagement. An informed public that remains calm and prepared during disruption is one of the strongest deterrents we possess.

This means strengthening our military capability, protecting critical infrastructure, improving cyber security and preparing communities for disruption. Ports, airports, railways, energy systems and communications networks must all become more resilient.

The world is entering a period where old assumptions about security no longer apply. The threats may not always arrive as tanks and missiles. They come through cyber-attacks, sabotage, misinformation and economic pressure.

The undeclared war has already begun.

We cannot afford complacency. We must mobilise a whole-of-society response that makes Britain harder to intimidate, disrupt and divide.

History shows this country has faced major threats before and overcome them through unity, resilience and determination. We can do so again.

But we must act before a major crisis forces us to.

The mission of The Resilience Imperative has begun. The question is simple: will we recognise the threat in time — and will we be ready?