In this post, I take a high-level look at why cybersecurity is mission-critical for defence and defence industry networks—because a single breach could compromise sensitive intelligence, disrupt strategic operations, and put missions at risk.

Cyber threats in the defence sector are evolving rapidly, but so are our defences. While reports confirm that attackers are actively targeting technical data for advanced weapon systems, this isn’t just a wake-up call. It’s a reminder that military and defence organisations must continuously reinforce their cybersecurity posture to stay ahead of adversaries.

Evolving Threats Require Proactive Defence

A recent example of this threat in action? CVE-2024-20953—a critical vulnerability in Oracle Agile Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software. Attackers are already exploiting this to execute arbitrary code and infiltrate networks. The risk is real—but so is our capability to mitigate and neutralise it.

At IDEX in Abu Dhabi, one message stood out loud and clear: cybersecurity is no longer a reactive measure—it’s a fundamental pillar of military readiness. Cutting-edge weaponry and next-gen defence systems mean nothing if the intelligence behind them is compromised. The good news? We have the tools, expertise, and strategic foresight to stay ahead.

Turning the Threat into an Opportunity

Cyber espionage remains a persistent challenge, but leading defence organisations are actively reinforcing their cybersecurity posture by:

• Leveraging advanced threat intelligence – Detecting and mitigating threats before they escalate.
• Deploying Zero Trust architecture – Continuously verifying every user, device, and system.
• Implementing AI-driven security solutions – Automating anomaly detection and threat response in real-time.
• Building cyber resilience – Focusing on rapid response and containment, not just prevention.

CISA’s March 17 Deadline – More Than Just Compliance

CISA’s directive for federal agencies and defence organisations to patch CVE-2024-20953 by 17 March 2025 is not just a box to tick—it’s a chance to strengthen global defence cybersecurity frameworks and prove that we don’t just react to threats, we get ahead of them.

Key actions organisations should take:

✔ Apply critical patches immediately – Close the doors before attackers break in.

✔ Assess and remediate vulnerabilities – If you’re using Oracle Agile PLM, a full security review is essential—it’s not just about plugging the hole.

✔ Implement access controls – Limit privileged access, enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA), and adopt a Zero Trust model.

✔ Enhance cyber threat intelligence – Early detection isn’t optional anymore—it’s the new standard.

If You’re Focused Only on Patching, You’re Already Behind

Yes, patching is critical—but if it’s your only line of defence, you’re already leaking.

Waiting for the obvious attack vectors means you’re only seeing half the picture—and guess what? Adversaries already know this.

Situational Awareness: Understanding What’s Normal vs. Nefarious

Defence organisations need full visibility across their people, technologies, and automated processes to truly understand their security environment. But it’s not just about the usual threat indicators—it’s about recognising the subtle, stealthy attacks that bypass traditional defences.

🔍 Example: I’ve seen attackers exploit Power BI within the M365 environment—using it to extract sensitive intelligence without triggering traditional security alerts. The goal? Gaining access to mission-critical data, particularly on tech-supporting boots-on-the-ground operations.

LOTL (Living Off The Land) attacks are becoming more sophisticated—they blend into normal activity. If you don’t understand what’s happening in your environment at all times, you’ll never spot what doesn’t belong.

The Defence Industry Is Ready for This Challenge

At IDEX, it was clear that military cybersecurity is advancing at an incredible pace. The best defence organisations are integrating cyber resilience directly into their military strategies—ensuring that technologies, networks, and data remain secure, no matter the threat.

As someone who works alongside some of the top experts in military cybersecurity, I can say with confidence:

✔ Cyber threats are evolving—but so are we.

✔ We’re not just defending systems—we’re shaping the future of defence technology.

✔ We’re making military cybersecurity more resilient, adaptable, and impenetrable than ever before.

Final Thought: Cyber Superiority = Military Superiority

Cyber warfare is here to stay—but so is our ability to stay ahead.

The next era of military power will be defined by those who take cybersecurity as seriously as their physical defence systems.

The real question isn’t whether we can defend against these threats—it’s how fast we can outpace those who seek to exploit them. And from what I’m seeing, we’re more than ready.

💬 How is your organisation adapting to the evolving threat landscape in military cybersecurity? Let’s talk.