McCorry steps down from cyber leadership role – Daily Business

Jude McCorry: moving on

Jude McCorry is stepping down as chief executive of the Cyber and Fraud Centre after seven years in the role.

Ms McCorry said she will be staying on into the new year to help with a smooth transition to her successor once they are appointed.

“I started this role, my first ever as a CEO, the very week the country went into lockdown. I had no idea what lay ahead, but from that uncertain beginning, it has been the privilege of my career,” she said.

“This hasn’t been an easy decision. I’ve never stayed in a role beyond five years, but when that milestone came around, I knew there was more we could do, so we kept going.

“Today, the Centre is stronger than it has ever been. We’re 100% self-sustaining with no reliance on government funding, we’ve secured growth funding from Social Investment Scotland, and we’ve started an exciting data and AI journey with some brilliant partners.”

Ms McCorry leaves at a time when cybersecurity resilience is being challenged by greater threats than ever

The latest attack on supermarket fridges in Europe has led to tens of thousands of pounds of food being thrown away.

Chains in  Ireland, the Netherlands, Estonia, Belgium, Sweden and Finland were among those affected, raising concerns of an attack in the UK.

Ciaran Martin, former chief executive of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said manufacturers needed to do more to make connected devices secure.

Since April 2024, UK law has required manufacturers of certain consumer smart devices to meet minimum cyber security standards, including requirements around passwords and security updates.

The NCSC said it was working with international partners and industry to understand the supermarket incidents, but it was unaware of any impact on the UK.

However, researchers from UK Cyber Defence have identified more than 800 refrigeration and building-control interfaces associated with British retailers that can be accessed over the public internet.

The government has already held talks with senior food retailers about cyber resilience, following earlier attacks on supermarkets.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, has said cyber incidents are a major concern for retailers, with businesses working alongside the NCSC to share intelligence and strengthen their defences.

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