Meet the UK’s Rising Cybersecurity Startups

With cybercrime incidents escalating year over year, the cybersecurity industry is experiencing exponential growth. The UK’s cybersecurity startup scene is a prime example of this global trend. A 2022 report highlighted that UK cybersecurity startups are growing at an impressive pace, outstripping many of the world’s leading cyber ecosystems, including those in the US, China, the EU, and Israel.  

While the UK’s ecosystem is still relatively smaller compared to giants like the US and Israel, its rapid growth and potential are undeniable. In this article, we will explore some of the most promising cybersecurity startups in the UK, showcasing the talent and creativity driving this vital sector forward. Join us as we highlight the rising stars poised to shape the future of cybersecurity. 

CyberSmart 

When it comes to cybersecurity, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often find themselves overlooked. This is where the London-based startup CyberSmart steps in. Their all-in-one platform offers comprehensive cybersecurity solutions tailored for SMEs, including cyber insurance to cover potential mishaps.  

Founded in 2017, CyberSmart’s flagship product, Active Protect, serves as a foundational security tool that can be easily installed without the need for IT specialists. Once installed, it evaluates registered devices for security and compliance. Additionally, customers receive ongoing assistance with developing internal policies and cybersecurity awareness training through the CyberSmart Academy tool. 

To further protect SMEs, CyberSmart has also partnered with Aviva and Superscript to offer cyber insurance. This insurance, bundled with Active Protect, provides financial coverage in case of a cyberattack, but only if the SME has taken the necessary steps to secure their systems and educate their employees. Since its launch, CyberSmart has grown quickly, protecting over 4000 small businesses (data as of Feb 2023).  

Invicti 

Founded in 2009, Invicti (formerly known as Netsparker) is a cybersecurity startup that helps businesses protect their web applications. Their main product, Acunetix, is a web vulnerability scanner designed to help businesses detect and resolve potential security threats, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other common web application attacks. 

In addition to web application scanning, Invicti provides network scanning capabilities that help businesses identify vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in their infrastructure. It can autonomously scan web applications and generate detailed reports on any issues found, along with remediation advice. Companies can also monitor their progress in resolving these security concerns over time.  

Additionally, Invicti offers penetration testing services that help businesses uncover vulnerabilities in their IT infrastructure and web applications. The startup also assists companies in complying with industry-specific regulations and standards, such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR. Many big companies, such as Starbucks, Ford, NASA, and Cisco, use Invicti’s software to protect their websites and web apps. 

Cybaverse 

Founded in 2018, Cybaverse is a UK cybersecurity startup that helps businesses stay safe in a constantly changing online world. It offers a range of services, including penetration testing, security training, and compliance services. 

Their key product, Cybaverse.ai, simplifies security management for small and medium businesses (SMBs). Imagine a central dashboard that shows everything happening on your company’s network – that’s what Cybaverse.ai provides. The platform offers a clear and detailed overview of the cyber landscape, increasing efficiency and enhancing project management while lightening the workload for in-house IT and security teams. It also offers a marketplace for businesses to purchase additional cybersecurity services directly from Cybaverse.  

Alongside its cybersecurity management features, Cybaverse.ai has drawn the attention of insurance providers because of its potential to reduce business premiums, paving the way for considerable savings on insurance costs. Cybaverse has a strong client base, including well-known companies like ConnectedHealth, Crowdcube, Funding Loop, Ticknovate, OnlineDirect, and Orbus Software. 

Red Sift 

Red Sift, a London-based cybersecurity startup, helps businesses identify and fix potential security problems before they turn into incidents. Their main product, Red Sift Radar, an AI-powered tool, detects and corrects misconfigurations across email systems, domains, and other internet-facing assets.  

By leveraging a large language model interface, the tool simplifies complex cybersecurity challenges into easy-to-understand conversations for both technical and non-technical users, allowing teams to pinpoint and tackle vulnerabilities proactively, even if they lack extensive training or expertise. Additionally, it provides real-time insights, helping businesses prevent cyberattacks like phishing and data breaches. Founded in 2015, Red Sift has a diverse client base, ranging from small businesses to large corporations. Their clients include well-known companies like Wise, Telefonica, Pipedrive, and ITV, as well as top global law firms. 

PureCyber 

Founded in 2016 by CEO Damon Rands, Cardiff-based PureCyber offers a comprehensive range of cybersecurity solutions. It serves as an outsourced partner for businesses seeking to enhance their defences against cyberattacks. The startup’s all-in-one subscription service includes brand protection, incident response, global penetration testing, and fully managed Security Operations Center (SOC) services. This tailored subscription model offers a cohesive view of a company’s security infrastructure, resulting in significant cost savings compared to sourcing similar services from various providers. 

By streamlining security management, PureCyber enhances operational efficiency and agility for businesses. This makes it an ideal choice for organisations committed to protecting their data and processes from a wide range of cyber risks. PureCyber  has been recognized as the “Most Innovative Cybersecurity Company in the UK” and the “Best International Cyber Consultancy Firm in the UK.” 

Distilled 

These were some of the popular cybersecurity startups making waves in the UK. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, we anticipate the emergence of even more innovative solutions and groundbreaking startups.