Cyber security firm marks milestone with warning

A North East cyber security specialist is marking a decade of growth with a warning that many smaller businesses remain dangerously underprepared for modern cyber threats.

Net-Defence, which provides cyber security, IT support and telephony services, says too many SMEs continue to underestimate the risks posed by ransomware, phishing attacks and data breaches despite a series of high-profile incidents and regulatory interventions during the last year.

Founded as part of the Ogilvie Group, Net-Defence traces its roots back to a telecommunications division established in 1994. 

The business rebranded in 2015, shifting its focus towards integrated IT, communications and cyber resilience services.

Over the last decade, the company has expanded significantly, evolving into a specialist cyber security provider supporting businesses across the North East and beyond. 

Growth has been underpinned by a focus on developing talent internally and building long-term technical expertise within the business.

Bosses says demand for cyber security support is particularly strong among legal, financial services and manufacturing firms, sectors facing increasing pressure from regulators, the handling of sensitive data and growing supply chain risks.

Recent years have seen banks and professional services firms face significant financial penalties and regulatory scrutiny following cyber incidents, while manufacturers have become increasingly vulnerable through weaknesses in complex supply chains.

Debra Cairns, managing director of Net-Defence, said: “Our growth over the past decade has been driven by a deliberate and sustainable approach, reaching our ten-year milestone as Net-Defence reflects a decade of building cyber resilience into the core of what we do.

“Just as important as the services we deliver is how we’ve grown the team behind it. 

“We’ve invested heavily in developing expertise internally, creating clear progression routes, and fostering a culture where people can build long-term careers in cyber security and IT.

“We have retained and invested in exceptional talent while maintaining measured growth. 

“Rather than relying on rapid headcount expansion that increases costs, we have focused on automation, simplification, and leveraging technology to deliver more with the same highly skilled team. 

“This has enabled us to remain cost competitive without compromising the service quality, responsiveness, or outcomes our customers expect.”

Debra also warns that artificial intelligence is changing the nature of cyber crime, allowing criminals to create more convincing phishing campaigns, automate attacks and develop highly personalised social engineering tactics at scale.

Alongside its commercial growth, Net-Defence has continued to strengthen its presence within the region’s business community and has received industry recognition, including being named a finalist in the Outstanding Security Performance Awards.

Debra added: “The regular statistics show cyber risk is not a future issue, it is happening now. 

“The disconnect between the frequency of attacks and the level of boardroom attention is still too wide.

“Cyber criminals are actively targeting weaker links in supply chains, SMEs in these sectors are particularly attractive because one compromise can open access to many others.

“We are seeing AI used to automate and personalise attacks in ways that significantly increase success rates. 

“That raises the standard of what effective cyber resilience now needs to look like.”

As it enters its second decade, Net-Defence is urging businesses to move beyond simply recognising cyber risks and instead take practical steps to strengthen their cyber resilience before they become the next target.

Debra added: “The snooze button is no longer an option. 

“Cyber resilience is now fundamental to business survival. 

“The threat is constant, and the organisations that act now will be the ones that avoid becoming the next headline.

As we move into our next phase of growth, our focus is on helping even more SMEs strengthen their defences and build long-term business resilience.”

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