The UK Government Cyber Action Plan (2026) marks a decisive shift from advisory cyber policy to enforceable, cross-government governance. It introduces a central risk “spine” within DSIT, clarifies accountability for departments and suppliers, and reframes outages and attacks as equivalent resilience failures. This briefing assesses credibility, deliverability, skills and industry reliance, legislative dependencies, and the unanswered questions that will determine success.

This DFM Briefing examines how concurrent geopolitical shock events involving Iran, the IRGC, and U.S. military action in Venezuela reshape the cyber threat landscape. It analyses implications for digital investigations, attribution, evidence integrity, and DFIR operations, highlighting heightened cyber noise, influence operations, and the growing risk of evidence pollution in politically contested environments.

This briefing examines Version 2 of the Forensic Science Regulator’s Statutory Code of Practice through the lens of the digital forensics practitioner. It explains why the Code exists, outlines key changes from Version 1, and critically analyses the requirements that directly affect digital investigations, evidential integrity, quality management, and courtroom admissibility.

Quantum computing is accelerating toward capabilities that could break today’s cryptographic foundations. This briefing examines quantum cryptography, post-quantum cryptography, timelines, societal impacts, and profound implications for digital investigations. It provides strategic recommendations for CISOs, investigators and policymakers navigating the transition to a quantum-resilient future.

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.