In 2025, 77% of utilities organizations experienced cyberattacks exploiting outdated software on legacy equipment, highlighting a critical vulnerability in the UK’s energy infrastructure. Bridewell’s spinout, Mindgard, has secured £22 million in funding to address this growing threat with a quantum-enhanced AI security platform. The UK government’s Energy Sector Cyber Security Strategy acknowledges the sector as a prime target for increasingly sophisticated attacks, including those from state-level actors, as the energy system digitizes and interconnects. This investment aims to bolster defenses against these evolving risks.
Mindgard’s £22M Funding Scales AI-Driven Energy Sector Security
The UK energy sector faced a surge in cyberattacks targeting outdated systems in 2025, with 77 percent of utilities organizations experiencing incidents due to unpatched software on legacy equipment. Mindgard’s platform focuses on protecting critical infrastructure as it integrates new technologies with aging operational systems, creating complex exposure points for malicious actors. The company aims to address the growing demand for robust cybersecurity solutions within a rapidly digitizing energy landscape. This funding arrives as the UK increases investment in semiconductor technology, reaching £237 million this year, exceeding the total for 2025.
The interconnected nature of modern energy systems underscores the need for enhanced security, where vulnerabilities in one area can quickly propagate across networks. The government strategy notes that “The UK’s energy sector is entering a more demanding era of cyber risk,” emphasizing the sector’s attractiveness to advanced and persistent attackers. Mindgard’s approach seeks to proactively mitigate these risks through the application of quantum-resistant AI technologies, bolstering the nation’s energy security.</p, the company says.
Source: https://pqshield.com/uk-energy-security-depends-on-quantum-safe-infrastucture-uktn-aug-2026/
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