The defence sector is a major innovator in areas like aerospace, defence technology, and cybersecurity systems. This makes it a prime target for intellectual property theft, where adversaries attempt to steal blueprints, military technologies, and research.

Defence organisations are frequently targeted by Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), which are sophisticated cyberattacks designed for long-term infiltration and espionage. APTs often go undetected for extended periods, allowing attackers to steal sensitive data or sabotage operations over time.

Defence organisations rely on a vast network of contractors, suppliers, and third-party vendors, which creates additional attack vectors for cybercriminals. Many breaches occur because attackers compromise less-secure third parties to gain access to the broader defence network.

Ransomware attacks in the defence sector are on the rise, with 40% growth in 2022 alone. Such attacks can cripple mission-critical systems, disrupt military operations, and lead to significant financial losses.

Not all cyber threats come from outside actors. Insider threats, whether malicious or accidental, pose a major risk to defence organisations. Employees or contractors with access to sensitive information may leak classified data, often unknowingly through phishing attacks or mishandling of data.