Many organisations still classify their digital assets using spreadsheets and subjective judgement, a slow and error-prone process that leaves critical systems exposed to cyberattacks. This project addresses a clear gap: current manual methods for sorting assets into Red, Amber, and Green risk categories are inconsistent and fail to keep pace with evolving threats. A misclassified public-facing server in a power grid or bank, for example, could remain vulnerable to ransomware. AssetGuard+ replaces this with an AI-driven system that simulates real-world cyberattack scenarios, evaluates network exposure, compliance status, and dependency mapping, and dynamically updates risk scores. If successful, the system could automate compliance reporting and third-party risk assessments for industries with strict security requirements—finance, energy, logistics. It aims to reduce cybersecurity management overhead for small and medium enterprises by offering a scalable, cost-effective deployment model. The project directly supports the UK’s National Cyber Strategy 2022, shifting risk assessment from a reactive, manual chore to a proactive, automated process that strengthens resilience without requiring large security teams.
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**Market Need** Modern organizations rely on digital assets for daily operations, yet many still depend on outdated, manual asset classification methods that are slow, inconsistent, and prone to human error. Organizations often use spreadsheets and subjective assessments to categorize assets into Red (high risk), Amber (medium risk), and Green (low risk) zones, leading to misclassifications that increase exposure to cyber threats, compliance failures, and operational disruptions. For instance, a misclassified public-facing server in a critical infrastructure environment could remain exposed to ransomware attacks, leaving sensitive data vulnerable. The lack of automated risk intelligence prevents organizations from responding proactively to emerging cybersecurity threats. **Solution** AssetGuard+ revolutionizes cybersecurity asset classification by integrating AI-driven automation to eliminate manual errors and improve risk assessment accuracy. Unlike static, rule-based systems, AssetGuard+ simulates real-world cyberattack scenarios to dynamically assess asset criticality and refine risk scoring. The system evaluates multiple asset features, including: * Network Exposure: Public/private IP classification, host/domain name * Organizational Hierarchy: Department/system-level classification * Operational Environment: Cloud, on-premises, or hybrid setups * Exposure Level: Internal vs. external-facing assets * Compliance Status: GDPR, ISO 27001, and industry-specific security standards * Known Vulnerabilities: Real-time risk detection through vulnerability scanning * Dependency Mapping: Identifying interconnections between systems to prevent cascading risks Designed for industries with strict regulatory and security requirements, including finance, energy, and logistics, AssetGuard+ enhances Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) workflows by automating compliance reporting and third-party risk assessments. **Market Impact** * Aims to reduce cybersecurity management overhead for SMEs by offering a scalable, cost-effective deployment model * Seeks to improve compliance readiness by automating reporting and risk analysis * Will enhance risk intelligence by leveraging AI to simulate adversarial scenarios and predict asset vulnerabilities * Supports cybersecurity resilience, aligning with industry security standards and best practices **Strategic Alignment & Next Steps** AssetGuard+ directly aligns with the UK's National Cyber Strategy 2022, reinforcing efforts to enhance cybersecurity automation and resilience. The project also supports UKRI Competition 2098, contributing to AI-driven risk assessment solutions that reduce vulnerabilities and enhance cyber readiness. By eliminating outdated, manual classification methods, AssetGuard+ transforms risk assessment into a proactive, AI-powered cybersecurity solution that helps organizations strengthen security, maintain compliance, and reduce the risk of cyber threats.
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