The UK Cyber Security Forum (UKCSF) is a social enterprise that has become a vital player in the UK’s digital ecosystem. Its main mission is to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which often face challenges due to a lack of resources and knowledge. By connecting over 20 regional clusters, the forum has created a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional networking. Read more on london-future.
The Story of the UK Cyber Security Forum
Founded in 2011, the Malvern Cyber Security Cluster laid the groundwork for the modern cyber cluster ecosystem in the UK. Its primary goal was to support small, regional companies within the industry. Despite the distance from meeting locations, within two years, small businesses from across the country were eager to join the community.
This process highlighted a clear need for a structure that could unite entrepreneurs regardless of their geographical location. In response, the UK Cyber Security Forum was established in 2014, becoming a platform for representing SMEs on a national scale. The organisation operated as a social enterprise, expanding across all regions of the UK. Its structure included 20 regional cyber clusters, with the main London Cyber Cluster, which offered free membership and regularly organised professional events.
Over time, the organisation’s development moved beyond just creating clusters. Starting in 2018, UKCSF, which was renamed the IASME Community, shifted its focus to educational and social initiatives. The main emphasis was placed on specialised training for unemployed adults who faced difficulties finding work. A key milestone was the recognition of its training courses by CIISec, the professional association for cyber specialists in the UK.
In 2021, the IASME Community expanded its activities by joining the Community Cyber Service initiative. This project was aimed at combating cybercrime, which has a particularly significant impact on vulnerable communities. In partnership with the Sanctuary Care Home network, the organisation conducted a study where residents were given assistance in protecting their digital devices in line with government guidelines.
A new chapter in the IASME Community’s development began with its collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD). In the summer of 2025, a program called Defence Cyber Certification (DCC) was developed in partnership with the MOD to enhance the cyber resilience of supply chains within the defence sector. Its implementation was a direct response to the need for unified security standards among all suppliers working with the defence sector. The DCC features a four-level certification system, with each level reflecting the scale of risks associated with a specific supplier’s role in the supply chain. This approach allows the program to account for the varying levels of responsibility among companies.
The Impact and Importance of the UK Cyber Security Forum
The UK Cyber Security Forum has become a crucial driver of the UK’s cyber sector development by supporting small and medium-sized businesses. Its structure of 20 clusters has made it possible to combine local autonomy with the ability to provide national representation, fostering the exchange of knowledge, experience, and best practices among its members. Over time, UKCSF transformed into the IASME Community, maintaining its core mission as a social enterprise while broadening its scope. Today, the organisation implements projects that promote greater diversity within the cybersecurity field and support vulnerable social groups.
