Governance & Compliance 7: The changing nature of cyberattacks and cyber regulation

Cyber readiness is rocketing up the agenda for boards in 2026. We explore cyber readiness including new regulatory developments, trends in cyber threats, and practical defences against attacks. In this episode of our UK Governance & Compliance mini-series, we explore cyber readiness as one of the top risk-related priorities for boards in 2026. We look at the sobering costs of large disruptions —noting the cause is often small-scale security lapses. We explore the changing cyber landscape including the UK’s expanding Cyber Resilience Bill and the shift to operational disruption as the primary threat. Plus, we provide practical guidance for boards. Podcast host Will Chalk is joined by John Macpherson, an Ashurst risk advisory partner in Sydney. Also joining the conversation are London colleagues Rhiannon Webster, a partner in Ashurst’s digital economy transactions practice, who heads up the UK cyber response and data protection team, and Matt Worsfold, a partner in Ashurst’s risk advisory team. To listen to this and subscribe to future episodes in our governance mini-series, search for “Ashurst Legal Outlook” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favourite podcast player. You can also find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts at ashurst.com/podcasts. To receive updates and alerts on the issues raised in this podcast mini-series, subscribe to Ashurst’s regular Governance and Compliance Updates. Read more about the recent AGC Conference here. And read our latest update here about Narrative and Financial Reporting, and Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.