Technology leaders fear cyber-attacks amid high-speed business transformation, spurring demand for interim expertise, according to new report
Cyber security is a top concern for UK business leaders as AI developments and transformation programs continue apace, according to a new report by BIE, the executive recruitment firm. These concerns are exacerbated by a shortage of specialist technology candidates, which will result in strong demand for interim expertise.
BIE surveyed 255 senior UK-based technology, finance and transformation leaders in January 2025 for its report ‘Technology Leadership in 2025 and Beyond’. Protecting their organisations from cybersecurity threats was identified as a key priority for leaders in the coming year, with the complexity of new technologies such as AI seen as both an opportunity and a risk.
UK government research shows that 50% of businesses experienced a security breach in the previous 12 months, a problem that is estimated to cost billions of pounds a year to the economy.
BIE’s new report found that while many businesses now have a Chief Data Officer, which has generally helped to improve governance around customer data; sourcing the right experts to oversee cybersecurity remained a struggle for many of those surveyed.
Leaders expressed a wish to keep abreast of evolving cyber threats and to invest in experts who can quickly identify the risks and implement strategies. Almost all (98%) report technology skills gaps within their wider organisations as well, with ‘human error’ and ‘upskilling existing employees’ noted as key challenges.
Cyr Cornberg, Senior Director of BIE’s Technology Practice, said: “Sophisticated cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly common as cyber criminals can now use AI to automate elements of an attack. As these technologies continue to evolve, our report suggests that leaders are finding it harder to understand the threats and the best ways to protect their businesses, making AI and cybersecurity experts more valuable than ever.”
Concerns about cyber-security come against a background of high-speed business change, with 82% of leaders expecting transformation to accelerate in the coming years, adding to the fears of cyber-vulnerability.
Cyr Cornberg added: “Technology changes are integral to business transformation, and can help improve efficiencies, but these processes can also make businesses vulnerable, while systems change over, and employees learn new ways of working. The right expert will help a business to better protect itself from cyber-crimes and also educate the wider workforce on the importance of data governance.”
With threats and technologies continually shifting, BIE expects to see a high demand for interim candidates who are up to date with these developments and have a proven track record of leading successful cybersecurity strategies.
Mathew Whipp, Senior Director for BIE’s Technology Practice, said: “Demand for technology talent is at an all-time high, and securing permanent in-house expertise can take time. Interim support allows businesses to inject high-quality expertise into their teams, with immediate impact.
“The right interim will share the latest trends and threats, create a successful cyber security and transformation strategy, bridge internal skills gaps with training programs, and help fast-track a business towards its growth targets.
“With cybersecurity concerns front of mind for business leaders this year, we expect large numbers of organisations to be seeking interim expertise.”
BIE’s report, ‘Technology Leadership in 2025 and Beyond’ published on February 4, 2025; and is available to download at https://www.bie-executive.com/reports/technology-leadership-in-2025-and-beyond/. The survey was conducted by BIE with support from research firm, Centiment.
Key findings:
Top priorities for technology leaders in 2025:
- Nearly half (49%) cite cybersecurity and risk management as their main priority for 2025; followed by:
- AI and Machine Learning integrations (41%)
- IT and business alignment (36%)
- Digital Transformation (33%)
- Cloud strategy and optimisation (28%)
- Sustainable and green IT (26%)
Biggest barrier to digital transformation?
- Legacy systems (22%)
- Budget constraints (20%)
- Resistance to change (17%)
Biggest challenge managing IT talent?
- Currently facing technology skills gaps (98%)
- Attracting top talent, and talent shortages (33%)
Cloud optimisation – status and concerns:
- Cloud strategy in place or actively migrating (68%)
- Exploring cloud options (28%)
- No cloud strategy in place (4%)
- Security is the greatest challenge (27%) followed by cost (15%)