The UK's burgeoning cyber security sector has reached a new milestone, generating an impressive £11.4 billion in revenue over the last financial year. This significant figure represents a substantial increase, underscoring the industry's robust growth and its critical role in the nation's economy. The 'Cyber Security Sectoral Analysis 2026' report, published by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), provides a comprehensive overview of the sector's scale, employment figures, and economic contributions.
The analysis further reveals that the cyber security industry now provides employment for approximately 60,000 individuals across the United Kingdom. This workforce is primarily concentrated within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute a remarkable 96% of all active businesses in the sector. This dominance by smaller companies highlights a dynamic and entrepreneurial landscape, where specialist knowledge and agile operations are key drivers of innovation and growth.
One of the report's key findings is the attractive remuneration within the sector. The average salary for cyber security professionals stands at £63,000, which is 47% higher than the national average salary. This premium reflects the high demand for specialised skills and expertise required to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. The competitive salaries are likely to attract further talent, helping to address the ongoing skills gap within the industry.
The growth trajectory of the cyber security sector significantly outpaces that of the wider UK economy. This sustained expansion is driven by a global surge in digital transformation and an escalating threat landscape, compelling businesses and governments alike to invest more heavily in protective measures. The report suggests that this trend is set to continue, positioning the UK as a leading hub for cyber security innovation and services.
While the report paints a positive picture of growth and economic contribution, it also implicitly highlights the ongoing challenges. The need for a highly skilled workforce, continuous investment in research and development, and effective collaboration between government, academia, and industry remain paramount to maintaining the UK's competitive edge in this critical domain. The concentration of SMEs, while a strength, also points to the importance of support structures that enable these businesses to scale and compete globally.
This analysis builds on previous government reports and independent research, consistently demonstrating the upward trajectory of the UK's cyber security capabilities. It underscores the strategic importance of the sector, not only for economic prosperity but also for national security in an increasingly digitised world. The findings are expected to inform future government policy and investment strategies aimed at further strengthening the UK's position as a global leader in cyber security.
Source: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)