Insights

There is a lot of discussion about the agentic SOC (Security Operations Centre). Increasingly capable AI agents can investigate alerts, gather context, use tools and potentially act without an analyst manually driving every step.

Every day, the digital systems and services we rely on to run our lives work quietly in the background. Salaries get paid, water flows from our taps, transport networks run, hospitals treat patients. We rarely notice these systems until they fail. When they do, the impact often reaches far beyond any individual sector.

Helios is transforming how the UK identifies and responds to security threats at the border. Developed through close collaboration with the Home Office and Border Force, the programme has replaced a 30-year-old capability with a modern, resilient platform that improves data sharing, accelerates decision-making and strengthens the protection of the UK’s national infrastructure.

Giles has spent 20 years leading transformation projects across the public sector. His hands-on approach and delivery has helped critical government services navigate periods of significant change, from supporting the UK’s response during the pandemic to upskilling teams across BAE Systems. Through resilient, sustainable, and outcome-focused consulting, he helps organisations deliver lasting transformation. He talks us through his experiences and ethos.

Specialising in cyber security and organisational transformation, Alex combines deep consulting expertise with passion for developing people, building inclusive cultures and helping organisations navigate complex security challenges. Alongside his role as Head of Security Consulting, leading a team of 180 consultants at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence & Land, he also spent seven years leading and growing the Enabled employee community, supporting disabled and neurodiverse colleagues, while contributing to the wider profession through senior assurance and advisory roles with the Chartered Institute of Information Security and the UK Cyber Security Council.

Specialising in Business Change, Emma combines her consulting expertise with a passion for supporting and establishing inclusive workplaces where people can thrive. Alongside her role as a Senior Consultant, she serves as an Ethics Officer, Mental Health First Aider, Employee Connection Group Communications and Engagement Officer, People Manager and mentor, helping to build a culture of trust, belonging and respect across BAE Systems.

As cyber threats evolve in scale, sophistication and speed, cybersecurity professionals are being asked to rethink how they approach resilience. The challenge is no longer simply about managing risk. Increasingly, it is about building and sustaining the capability needed to compete in an ongoing contest. I recently spoke at the National Cyber Awards and reflected on what organisations around the world can learn from those operating on the frontline of cyber conflict.

The protection of critical undersea infrastructure (CUI) has moved rapidly up the strategic agenda. With greater dependence on seabed cables for energy and communications, the vulnerability of these assets has become a significant concern.

In today’s increasingly volatile geopolitical climate, particularly with escalating global tensions such as ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, cyber warfare has evolved into a critical extension of traditional warfare.