When a mid-sized defence supplier landed its first direct contract with the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the leadership team knew security was a priority. They had an IT team in place, firewalls installed, and a cyber awareness programme for employees. On paper, they believed they were covered. Then came the hard truth.
As part of the contract onboarding process, the company underwent a cyber security audit. The findings weren’t good. While their IT team had done an excellent job maintaining infrastructure, they had overlooked continuous threat monitoring, proactive intrusion detection and secure collaboration protocols. The company was not just behind on compliance, it was dangerously exposed to cyber threats.
Like many defence suppliers, they had assumed that an in-house IT team could handle security. What they failed to realise is that IT management and cyber security are not the same thing, and that assumption nearly cost them their contract.
IT and Cyber Security Are Not the Same
A common mistake among defence suppliers is believing that an IT team managing networks, software and user access also has the capability to provide full-scale cyber security protection. But the skills required to keep systems running are not the same as those needed to defend against highly sophisticated cyber threats.
An IT team’s main priority is ensuring that employees can access the tools they need, that software is up to date, and that infrastructure remains stable. Their role is to maintain operations, troubleshoot technical issues, and support business functions. Cyber security, on the other hand, is about detecting, preventing, and responding to cyber threats before they cause damage. It requires constant monitoring, real-time threat intelligence and incident response capabilities that go far beyond the remit of traditional IT management. This distinction is critical. A company relying solely on its IT team for security may unknowingly leave itself vulnerable to attack. Without dedicated security experts focused on identifying vulnerabilities, tracking emerging threats and responding to incidents as they unfold, even the most well-managed IT environment can be compromised.
Why Defence Suppliers Are Prime Targets
Cyber attackers do not care whether a defence supplier has an IT team or not. They look for weaknesses, gaps in defences, outdated security measures, or companies that assume they are too small to be targeted. The reality is that defence supply chain attacks are increasing, with adversaries specifically going after smaller contractors to gain access to MOD systems through indirect means.
Many businesses underestimate the value of their own data. Even if a supplier does not handle classified material, it likely has access to bid documents, procurement details and technical schematics; information that, in the wrong hands, can provide insight into the UK’s defence capabilities. A single compromised supplier can give attackers a foothold into larger networks, allowing them to pivot towards more valuable targets.
Attackers are also adapting their methods, using tactics such as advanced phishing, AI-driven intrusion attempts and supply chain infiltration. These sophisticated attacks are designed to bypass traditional security measures, meaning that standard IT practices alone are no longer enough to keep businesses protected.
Why a Managed Security Service Is the Smarter Approach
For defence suppliers, security must be proactive rather than reactive. Yet, many companies lack the internal resources to monitor threats 24/7, investigate suspicious activity in real time, or ensure ongoing compliance with evolving defence security requirements. This is where a managed security service provides an advantage.
Unlike fragmented security measures that require internal teams to manage multiple tools and vendors, a managed security service delivers a fully integrated approach. With continuous threat detection, real-time incident response, and built-in compliance enforcement, businesses can stay protected without overburdening their IT teams. Instead of firefighting security issues as they arise, companies can ensure that risks are identified and mitigated before they escalate.
The ability to scale security measures without major internal investment is another key benefit. As a company grows, so too do its cyber security needs. A managed service adapts to these changes, ensuring that businesses remain protected as they take on larger and more complex defence contracts. This flexibility is particularly valuable in a sector where security expectations are increasing, and government oversight is becoming more stringent.
What Happens When Security Is Overlooked
For some businesses, the hesitation to invest in managed security services comes down to cost. But the question isn’t how much security costs, it’s how much it will cost to recover from a breach.
A single cyber-attack can lead to financial penalties, lost contracts, and reputational damage that takes years to repair. Defence primes and MOD agencies are unlikely to continue working with a supplier that has suffered a security failure, knowing that their own networks could be at risk. Operational downtime caused by an attack can bring projects to a halt, delaying critical defence work and putting a company’s future at risk.
Legal consequences are also a concern. Data protection laws, contract obligations and regulatory requirements place the burden of security firmly on the supplier. If a business is found to have been negligent in its security practices, it may face serious consequences beyond just financial losses.
Strengthening Security Without Overloading IT Teams
The defence industry is one of the most targeted sectors for cyber-attacks and supply chain vulnerabilities are an attacker’s preferred entry point. Companies that assume their IT team can handle security on their own are making a critical miscalculation, one that could cost them contracts, credibility and their place in the industry.
The smartest defence suppliers don’t just meet security expectations, they exceed them. By investing in a managed security service, they ensure that their business remains protected, their contracts remain secure and their internal IT teams have the support they need to focus on what they do best.
Simply; having IT support is not enough. Defence suppliers need expert-level security before attackers find the gaps.
About DISX:
DISX is the defence-standard secure managed service, delivering cyber secure data collaboration, communication and productivity to highly regulated industries. Combining security and functionality, DISX is relied upon by the MOD and Defence industry to collaborate on sensitive projects, but also provides an unrivalled secure cloud service for all organisations handling sensitive data and subject to stringent regulations.
