Briefing Centre
In Depth Briefing Documents
The Briefing Centre is for Subscribers Only
Our researchers create unique, in depth briefing documents on topics of the day.
These briefings are research articles looking in-depth at a particular topic of the day.
An Analysis of The Planned National Digital Identity Scheme (UK)
The UK’s proposed national digital ID scheme represents a major shift in identity assurance, with significant implications for security, privacy, digital inclusion and investigative practice. Costed at £1.8bn, the system will integrate with GOV.UK One Login and Wallet, offering stronger identity verification while introducing new risks, legal complexities and cybersecurity challenges requiring careful governance and oversight.
Cyber Security and Resilience Bill: Beyond Cyber
The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill modernises the UK’s NIS framework but remains heavily cyber-centric. This briefing argues that true national resilience depends on recognising data centres, utilities, ports and other CNI as cyber-physical systems. Protecting the digital built environment—power, cooling, OT, building services and engineering systems—is essential, with RSES offering a key competence pathway.
Cyber Security and Resilience Bill: A Comprehensive Review of the UK’s Next-Generation Cyber Law
The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill modernises the UK’s NIS framework, expanding obligations across essential services, cloud platforms, MSPs and critical suppliers. This briefing explores the Bill’s scope, enforcement powers, industry pushback, and its implications for regulators, government, consumers, and the DFIR community—highlighting how the legislation could reshape national cyber-resilience for years ahead.
Independent Research on the Economic Impact of Cyber Attacks on the UK
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) commissioned new research quantifying the true cost of cyber attacks on the UK economy. This DFM briefing analyses findings across business, consumer, and infrastructure impacts—revealing how cyber incidents now represent a measurable drag on national productivity, competitiveness, and long-term economic resilience.
Digital Forensics in UK Law Enforcement: Productivity, Pressure, and the Path Ahead
Digital forensics in UK law enforcement stands at a turning point. The National Audit Office’s 2025 Police Productivity report exposes rising digital demand, fragmented governance, and critical skills shortages. This briefing analyses the findings, links them to forensic capability and reform, and outlines how national standardisation could transform police productivity and justice outcomes.
Briefing: NAO “Overview of the Home Office 2024–25”
NAO’s Home Office 2024–25 overview highlights digital transformation and elevated risks for investigations. LEDS and HOB migrations, Hendon data-centre exit, and ESN delays affect evidence integrity and incident communications. Principal risks—cyber threats, data quality, and insider activity—demand stronger governance, forensic readiness, and skills. Recommendations: standardised toolsets, AI governance, immutable logging, dual-running comms, and whole-system cyber exercises across forces and departments.
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