The Power of Collaboration in Cyber Security: Key Takeaways from Our Latest Event

We were lucky to be joined by Nine23 Advisor, John Farmery at this year’s Nine23 Innovation Day. John reflected on all the discussions at the event and offered a great recap:  

It’s clear that collaboration is at the heart of tackling cyber security challenges and this is the reason why Nine23 brought together industry leaders, partners, and clients to share insights, technical advancements, and practical solutions at the Innovation Day.

Firstly, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who contributed — our presenters, engaged audience, and the hardworking team behind the scenes. The value of today’s discussions was evident, as we explored both historical perspectives and emerging threats shaping the cyber security landscape.

In recent years, intelligence communities have become more open about cyber security threats, allowing us to address issues that were once considered too sensitive. The threats we all face are all too real. Topics such as the weaponisation of human migration patterns and the resurgence of espionage highlight the evolving nature of security risks. The urgency to respond swiftly and decisively has never been greater, and today’s conversations reinforced the importance of industry wide collaboration.

Cyber security is not a problem any single company or government can solve alone. We must move beyond traditional business as usual approaches and work collectively to stay ahead of threats. Lessons from history, such as those in Andrew Gordon’s The Rules of the Game, remind us that appropriate leadership and adaptability are key; what worked a decade ago is no longer sufficient. Security culture, particularly within governments and their critical supply chains, must evolve to ensure the effective use of available tools and resources.

Despite challenges, there is immense opportunity in cyber security. Governments and their supply chains need stronger security solutions, and companies addressing these needs will find a receptive market. It is not just about defence; it’s also an economic driver, with countries recognising its potential for growth and innovation.

Before closing, a striking calculation from a Ministry of Defence review of classified major equipment programmes indicated the potential to save some £billions over ten years, simply by improving the ability to collaborate between stakeholders at Secret. This highlights the critical role of our work — not just in security, but also in efficiency and sustainability.

Thank you once again to everyone involved in making this event a success. Let’s continue these conversations and push forward together.