More Than Flames: The Cyber Threat Facing UK Fire & Rescue Services
News and information from the Advent IM team.
- by Anthony Orjally
- Advent IM Blog
Fire & Rescue Services are a critical part of the UK’s emergency response, dealing with far more than fires alone. From road traffic collisions to flooding and hazardous incidents, modern fire services rely heavily on digital systems to manage control rooms and communicate in real time. As that reliance grows, so does exposure to cyber threats that can directly impact public safety.
Cyber-attacks are no longer just an IT issue. They’re an operational risk.
The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre reported handling 204 nationally significant cyber incidents in the year to August 2025, more than double the previous year and equivalent to around four serious attacks every week against critical services. While not all these target emergency services, they highlight the threat environment Fire & Rescue now operates within.
Fire & Rescue Services face many particular challenges. Budgets are often smaller than those of larger public bodies, while many services depend on ageing or specialist systems that weren’t designed to withstand modern cyber threats. Operations run 24/7, meaning downtime isn’t an option, and reliance on shared systems or third-party suppliers can introduce risks beyond a service’s direct control.
The impact of a cyber incident goes far beyond lost data. Disruption to control room or mobilising systems can delay response times. Communication failures can affect situational awareness on the ground. In high-risk scenarios, these failures can put both firefighters and the public at greater risk, while also damaging public trust.
Cyber risk can’t be eliminated, but it can be reduced. Staff awareness training, clear incident response plans, and collaboration with bodies like the NCSC all help build resilience.
For Fire & Rescue Services, cyber security is no longer a back-office concern. It’s a frontline issue and in an era of constant cyber threat, resilience helps ensure that when the call comes in, help can always get through.