Catch up on this month’s round-up of the latest hosting and tech news. Here’s what we’ve uncovered since our last edition.
Zero-Trust Benefits
Recent research from cybersecurity firm Zscaler has shown that using a zero-trust security framework could prevent almost one-third of global cyberattacks, potentially saving businesses up to £344.7 billion globally each year. According to the study, a zero-trust strategy could have stopped 41% of attacks in Europe and 31% in North America. The largest companies, those with annual revenues over £74 billion, could have avoided as many as 60% of incidents in 2023.
Industries where zero-trust frameworks are likely to bring the biggest benefits include construction, wholesale trade, manufacturing and information technology. However, even sectors usually seen as being less at risk, like finance, utilities and mining, could have avoided at least 20% of breaches.
Besides decreasing the number of cybersecurity incidents, adopting zero-trust can help with insurance costs, with underwriters now factoring it into premium evaluations. Early adopters have already benefited from lower cyber insurance rates.
Agentic AI Risks
Leading IT services company, Gartner, has warned organisations that their use of agentic AI may increase the risk of cyberattacks. According to a recent study, 24% of CIOs are already using AI agents, with 17% planning to implement them by the end of 2026. However, these systems come with risks, including input manipulation, credential theft, compromised data chains and unauthorised API calls, particularly in multi-agent settings.
As the adoption of agentic AI grows in IT, accounting, HR and customer service, Gartner advises organisations to adjust their security measures to avoid potential data breaches, financial losses or automated account takeovers.
One way to increase security is to implement ‘guardian agents,’ AIs that are designed to oversee other agents. When deployed, these tools review, monitor and block actions driven by other agents to ensure compliance and reduce unintended consequences. Gartner predicts guardian agents will become a cornerstone of future AI governance and that they will account for 10-15% of the market by 2030.
Smart Cane For The Blind
An AI-enabled white cane, for use by the blind or visually impaired, has been unveiled at the RNIB Scotland’s Inclusive Design for Sustainability conference in Glasgow. The waterproof WeWALK Smart Cane features ultrasonic sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, GPS navigation and an AI voice assistant, while being similar in size and weight to a standard white cane.
The cane’s built-in system provides users with both tactile and audio feedback, alerting them to nearby obstacles. At the same time, it gives real-time route guidance and transport updates, making travel safer and easier.
The cane’s design, which was praised at the iF International Forum Design Awards, highlights the importance of technological inclusivity, especially as the number of people with sight loss continues to grow. It represents a step towards combining AI, sensory technology, and adaptive interfaces to improve independence for people with disabilities, which is especially important in urban areas.
AI Scholarships
Sparck AI, a new scholarship backed by the government, will launch in spring 2026 to help the next generation of leaders in artificial intelligence. The fully funded program, named after British computer scientist Karen Sparck Jones, will support 100 master’s degree students across nine of the top universities in the UK, including Bristol, Newcastle, Manchester and Edinburgh.
With over £17 million of Westminster funding, the project is part of the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, which aims to boost AI innovation in the UK. Successful applicants will receive full support for tuition and living costs, along with mentorship and job placement opportunities with leading AI firms.
The University of Bristol, the AI University of the Year and home to Isambard-AI, the UK’s most powerful AI supercomputer, said it relishes the chance the scholarships offer to nurture talent and explore new ideas. The first group of students will start their studies in Autumn 2026.
NI Security Innovation
Belfast-based cybersecurity firm, ANGOKA, is investing almost £2 million in advanced software designed to protect the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector from cyber threats. The software, which is being developed in collaboration with the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), aims to improve the security of connected systems, including drones, trucks, automated buses and industrial machinery.
Supported by Invest NI, and with advice from major aerospace and defence companies, like Rolls Royce, Airbus and Thales, this will be the biggest UK project of its kind with regard to advanced manufacturing security. Initially, it will lead to six new jobs in Belfast, with hundreds more expected in the future.
Northern Ireland has long been a leader in cybersecurity, and ANGOKA’s investment and initiatives will further enhance the region’s global reputation.
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