FASTag Annual Pass Sees 5 Lakh Users in Just Four Days

Post by : Bandan Preet

Security leaders in the UK are growing increasingly concerned about new technology tools that can affect businesses. One tool that has raised particular worry is DeepSeek, developed in China. While these tools were once seen as a way to improve business speed, efficiency, and productivity, senior security officials now believe they bring serious risks.

Growing Concern Among Security Leaders

A recent survey conducted by Absolute Security for its UK Resilience Risk Index Report asked 250 Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) at large UK organizations about their views on these new tools. The results are alarming. About 81% of UK CISOs believe that the government must quickly regulate DeepSeek. They fear that if no rules are made, these tools could lead to a national cyber crisis.

The worry is not just about hypothetical risks. Security leaders are concerned about how these tools handle sensitive data and the ways they can be misused. Many CISOs feel that these tools could be used by cybercriminals to cause serious damage to companies and even the economy.

Immediate Actions Taken By Companies

The survey also shows that some companies have already acted to protect themselves. Over a third (34%) of security leaders have completely banned certain tools in their organizations because of cybersecurity concerns. Another 30% have stopped using specific tools after noticing potential risks.

This action does not mean that businesses are rejecting new technology. Instead, it is a careful, strategic response to growing threats. Companies already face complex cyberattacks, as seen in recent incidents such as the breach at Harrods. Security teams are under pressure, and adding sophisticated new tools to the mix can make their jobs even more difficult.

How These Tools Pose a Threat

The main problem with tools like DeepSeek is the risk they pose to sensitive company data. These tools can make private information more vulnerable and can be misused by criminals. About 60% of CISOs predict that the use of such tools will directly lead to an increase in cyberattacks. The same number say these tools are already causing problems with privacy and governance frameworks in their organizations.

Because of these risks, many security leaders are now viewing these tools as a problem rather than a solution. Around 42% of CISOs say that these tools are more of a threat than a help for their cybersecurity efforts.

Andy Ward, SVP International of Absolute Security, explained:
“Our research highlights the real dangers of tools like DeepSeek. These tools are changing the cyber threat landscape very quickly. Companies must strengthen their security systems now to manage these risks. Security leaders are asking the government to step in and set rules. They see how fast these tools are developing and how easily they can bypass existing security defenses.”

Preparedness Gap in Organizations

Another concerning finding is that almost half (46%) of senior security leaders admit that their teams are not ready to deal with the risks posed by tools like DeepSeek. They observe that these tools are evolving faster than the company’s ability to defend against them. This creates a dangerous gap in cybersecurity that many believe can only be fixed through government intervention.

Ward further commented:
“These threats are not theoretical. Organizations are already banning certain tools and rethinking their security strategies. Without clear government rules and oversight, we could see widespread disruption across every sector of the UK economy.”

Strategic Pause, Not Full Stop

Despite these concerns, companies are not completely avoiding these tools. Instead, they are taking a careful approach. Businesses still see the benefits of these tools and want to use them safely. The approach is more of a strategic pause than a complete stop.

The survey shows that 84% of companies plan to hire technology specialists in 2025. These experts will help businesses adopt these tools safely and manage potential risks.

Investment in Skills at All Levels

Companies are not just hiring new experts. They are also training existing staff, including senior leaders, to understand how these tools work. About 80% of companies are providing training at the executive level. This approach has two goals: first, to ensure the workforce can manage these tools safely, and second, to build specialized talent to deal with complex cybersecurity challenges.

The hope is that by creating a strong foundation of knowledge and skills inside the company, organizations can balance the risks posed by these tools with the benefits they offer.

Collaboration With Government Is Key

UK security leaders are clear in their message: they do not want to stop innovation, but they want to ensure it happens safely. This requires a stronger partnership between businesses and the government. The government can set clear rules for how these tools are used, monitored, and governed.

A coordinated strategy can include:

• Clear rules and guidelines for using technology tools.

• Skilled professionals who understand the risks and benefits.

• Training programs at all levels of the company.

• National-level planning to manage potential security risks.

The Urgency of Action

Ward concluded: “The time for debate is over. We need immediate action, policies, and oversight to make sure these tools help progress instead of causing crises. Companies need to act now, and the government must provide guidance. Without it, the UK faces serious risks to its cybersecurity and economy.”

The overall message from UK security leadership is straightforward. Businesses want to continue innovation safely. They want to use tools like DeepSeek to improve efficiency but without exposing themselves to unnecessary risks.

The solution requires preparation, investment in skills, and government cooperation. Only then can the UK ensure that new technology helps businesses grow without creating vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit.

Businesses are taking the steps they can on their own, but leadership is clear: national-level rules and oversight are necessary. The goal is to strike a balance between progress and safety so that innovation can continue without threatening the security of companies or the country.

UK Security