---
title: UK cybersecurity media reputation tracker – August 2026
canonical_url: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-cybersecurity-2026-08
type: dataset
publisher: Omniscan
sector: UK Cybersecurity
period: August 2026
coverage_start: '2026-08-01'
coverage_end: '2026-08-31'
date_published: '2026-09-01'
last_updated: '2026-09-01'
organisations: 6
articles_analysed: 599
mentions: 41
data_download: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-cybersecurity-2026-08/data.json
summary: Sophos had the highest average monthly share of coverage (51.2%) among 6
  companies in UK earned media from 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2026, ahead of NCC
  Group (34.1%) and Darktrace (12.2%).
---

# UK cybersecurity media reputation tracker: August 2026 (1 August 2026–31 August 2026)

> Sophos had the highest average monthly share of coverage (51.2%) among 6 companies in UK earned media from 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2026, ahead of NCC Group (34.1%) and Darktrace (12.2%). Bridewell had the most favourable net tone (+100). Omniscan analysed 599 articles containing 41 mentions of the companies tracked.

Interactive version: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-cybersecurity-2026-08

## UK Cybersecurity ranking by share of coverage, August 2026

| Rank | Organisation | Average monthly share of coverage | Mentions | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Net tone |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Sophos | 51.2% | 21 | 62% | 38% | 0% | +62 |
| 2 | NCC Group | 34.1% | 14 | 21% | 79% | 0% | +21 |
| 3 | Darktrace | 12.2% | 5 | 80% | 20% | 0% | +80 |
| 4 | Bridewell | 2.4% | 1 | 100% | 0% | 0% | +100 |
|  | BAE Systems Digital Intelligence | 0.0% | 0 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0 |
|  | Immersive Labs | 0.0% | 0 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0 |

## Companies in detail

### Sophos

**Sophos led as research broadened into platforms and identity**

Sophos ranked 1st of 6 by average monthly share of coverage (51.2%) in the UK Cybersecurity benchmark for August 2026, with 21 mentions and a net tone of +62.

Sophos announced a partnership with OpenAI to bring frontier AI models into its Sophos Fusion platform for managed service providers. The company also outlined planned AI security capabilities for organisations and channel partners. Sophos's State of Ransomware in Education 2026 found identity-based techniques featured in 85% of ransomware incidents affecting education organisations. The report said recovery costs averaged $2.26 million and education institutions often faced lengthy recovery periods and skills gaps. Sophos X-Ops found attackers impersonating AI brands such as Claude and ChatGPT to distribute malware and malicious browser extensions. Its MDR-case review found no evidence of autonomous AI attacks, instead identifying limited human-directed use of AI in attack tooling. Sophos-owned Specops promotes Verified ID, which combines government-document validation and biometric liveness detection for employee onboarding and account recovery. The article cites North Korean fake-worker activity and the M&S ransomware breach as identity-verification risks.

Key messages:

- Sophos announced a partnership with OpenAI to bring frontier AI models into its Sophos Fusion platform for managed service providers. The company also outlined planned AI security capabilities for organisations and channel partners.
- Sophos's State of Ransomware in Education 2026 found identity-based techniques featured in 85% of ransomware incidents affecting education organisations. The report said recovery costs averaged $2.26 million and education institutions often faced lengthy recovery periods and skills gaps.
- Sophos X-Ops found attackers impersonating AI brands such as Claude and ChatGPT to distribute malware and malicious browser extensions. Its MDR-case review found no evidence of autonomous AI attacks, instead identifying limited human-directed use of AI in attack tooling.
- Sophos-owned Specops promotes Verified ID, which combines government-document validation and biometric liveness detection for employee onboarding and account recovery. The article cites North Korean fake-worker activity and the M&S ransomware breach as identity-verification risks.
- Sophos promotes its Fusion platform as a unified defence system that connects Sophos and third-party security tools through shared context and automated response. The article argues this approach can help organisations address AI-enabled threats.

Leading themes:

- Threat Intelligence & Research: 47.6% of Sophos's coverage (theme index 1.06, net tone +50)
- Products & Technology: 38.1% of Sophos's coverage (theme index 2.54, net tone +75)
- Contracts & Partnerships: 9.5% of Sophos's coverage (theme index 1.9, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 6 August 2026, manilatimes.net: [Sophos Announces Partnership with OpenAI to Bring Frontier AI to the Channel](https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/08/06/tmt-newswire/globenewswire/sophos-announces-partnership-with-openai-to-bring-frontier-ai-to-the-channel/2400341). Sophos announced a partnership with OpenAI to bring frontier AI models into its Sophos Fusion platform for managed service providers. The company also outlined planned AI security capabilities for organisations and channel partners.
- 31 August 2026, itvoice.in: [Identity-Based Attacks Are Responsible for 85% of Ransomware in Education, Sophos Report Finds](https://www.itvoice.in/identity-based-attacks-are-responsible-for-85-of-ransomware-in-education-sophos-report-finds). Sophos released its State of Ransomware in Education 2026 report, finding identity-based attack methods in 85% of surveyed education-sector ransomware incidents. The report highlighted elevated recovery costs, data-encryption rates and staff pressures.
- 21 August 2026, helpnetsecurity.com: [Attackers impersonate popular AI brands to spread malware](https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2026/08/21/ai-brand-impersonation-malware-malware-research/). Sophos X-Ops found attackers impersonating AI brands such as Claude and ChatGPT to distribute malware and malicious browser extensions. Its MDR-case review found no evidence of autonomous AI attacks, instead identifying limited human-directed use of AI in attack tooling.

- [Sophos deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-cybersecurity-2026-08?entity=sophos&view=deep-dive)
- [Sophos PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-cybersecurity-2026-08/reports/sophos.pdf)

### NCC Group

**NCC Group rebounds as cyber focus broadens its media profile**

NCC Group ranked 2nd of 6 by average monthly share of coverage (34.1%) in the UK Cybersecurity benchmark for August 2026, with 14 mentions and a net tone of +21.

NCC Group reported 894 ransomware attacks in August, a 22% monthly increase and the highest total of the year. Its cyber intelligence lead said AI is increasing the speed and scale of attacks while also offering defensive benefits. NCC Group's Katharina Sommer presented research on legal safeguards for good-faith security researchers and is using it to advocate reform of the UK Computer Misuse Act. The article covers NCC Group's longstanding campaign and proposed framework for UK legal reform. An investor-focused analysis examines whether NCC Group can turn demand for cyber recovery, assurance and managed services into durable recurring growth. It highlights competition, talent retention and consistent delivery as key factors. Sculptor Capital LP disclosed a 5.405240% voting-rights position in NCC Group through cash-settled swaps. The article outlines the UK-listed cybersecurity firm's major-holdings notification.

Key messages:

- NCC Group reported 894 ransomware attacks in August, a 22% monthly increase and the highest total of the year. Its cyber intelligence lead said AI is increasing the speed and scale of attacks while also offering defensive benefits.
- NCC Group's Katharina Sommer presented research on legal safeguards for good-faith security researchers and is using it to advocate reform of the UK Computer Misuse Act. The article covers NCC Group's longstanding campaign and proposed framework for UK legal reform.
- An investor-focused analysis examines whether NCC Group can turn demand for cyber recovery, assurance and managed services into durable recurring growth. It highlights competition, talent retention and consistent delivery as key factors.
- Sculptor Capital LP disclosed a 5.405240% voting-rights position in NCC Group through cash-settled swaps. The article outlines the UK-listed cybersecurity firm's major-holdings notification.

Leading themes:

- Threat Intelligence & Research: 42.9% of NCC Group's coverage (theme index 0.89, net tone +17)
- M&A & Investment: 21.4% of NCC Group's coverage (theme index 0, net tone 0)
- Financial Results & Markets: 14.3% of NCC Group's coverage (theme index 3.86, net tone +50)

Notable positive coverage:

- 28 August 2026, itbrief.co.uk: [Ransomware attacks hit 894 as AI boosts cyber crime](https://itbrief.co.uk/story/ransomware-attacks-hit-894-as-ai-boosts-cyber-crime). NCC Group reported 894 ransomware attacks in August, a 22% monthly increase and the highest level recorded so far in 2026. Its analysis also highlighted AI-enabled attack automation and China-linked Operational Relay Box networks.
- 10 August 2026, darkreading.com: [Outdated Cybercrime Laws Put Security Researchers at Risk](https://www.darkreading.com/application-security/outdated-cybercrime-laws-security-researchers-risk). NCC Group's Katharina Sommer presented research on legal safeguards for good-faith security researchers and is using it to advocate reform of the UK Computer Misuse Act. The article covers NCC Group's longstanding campaign and proposed framework for UK legal reform.
- 10 August 2026, kalkinemedia.com: [NCC Group (LSE:NCC): Can Cyber Recovery Drive New Growth?](https://kalkinemedia.com/uk/stocks/technology/ncc-group-lsencc-can-cyber-recovery-drive-new-growth). An investor-focused analysis examines whether NCC Group can turn demand for cyber recovery, assurance and managed services into durable recurring growth. It highlights competition, talent retention and consistent delivery as key factors.

- [NCC Group deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-cybersecurity-2026-08?entity=nccgroup&view=deep-dive)
- [NCC Group PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-cybersecurity-2026-08/reports/nccgroup.pdf)

### Darktrace

**Darktrace’s visibility shifted from leadership change to threat research**

Darktrace ranked 3rd of 6 by average monthly share of coverage (12.2%) in the UK Cybersecurity benchmark for August 2026, with 5 mentions and a net tone of +80.

August remained third as threat research and products jointly led the measured themes, with stories on SECURE AI’s integration with Microsoft Agent 365, cloud and identity attacks, and a fake Gemini installer delivering Vidar malware. Darktrace announced an integration bringing behavioural AI-agent risk signals from its SECURE AI product into Microsoft Agent 365. The integration is intended to help customers identify anomalous agent behaviour alongside Microsoft signals. Darktrace investigated a Vidar infostealer campaign using a fake Google Gemini installer and Google Colab lure. Its Autonomous Response system blocked malicious communications and quarantined the infected device. Darktrace's H1 2026 report says attackers are increasingly compromising identities, cloud and SaaS environments, supply chains and AI systems. It highlights more sophisticated phishing and AI-assisted attack activity. A cybersecurity trade article ranks ten network detection and response tools for 2026. It places Darktrace first, highlighting its self-learning detection and autonomous response capabilities.

Key messages:

- Darktrace announced an integration bringing behavioural AI-agent risk signals from its SECURE AI product into Microsoft Agent 365. The integration is intended to help customers identify anomalous agent behaviour alongside Microsoft signals.
- Darktrace investigated a Vidar infostealer campaign using a fake Google Gemini installer and Google Colab lure. Its Autonomous Response system blocked malicious communications and quarantined the infected device.
- Darktrace's H1 2026 report says attackers are increasingly compromising identities, cloud and SaaS environments, supply chains and AI systems. It highlights more sophisticated phishing and AI-assisted attack activity.
- A cybersecurity trade article ranks ten network detection and response tools for 2026. It places Darktrace first, highlighting its self-learning detection and autonomous response capabilities.

Leading themes:

- Threat Intelligence & Research: 40.0% of Darktrace's coverage (theme index 0.85, net tone +50)
- Products & Technology: 40.0% of Darktrace's coverage (theme index 1.6, net tone +100)
- Contracts & Partnerships: 20.0% of Darktrace's coverage (theme index 3.6, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 5 August 2026, manilatimes.net: [Darktrace Among First Cybersecurity Companies Selected to Integrate Risk Signals into Microsoft](https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/08/05/tmt-newswire/globenewswire/darktrace-among-first-cybersecurity-companies-selected-to-integrate-risk-signals-into-microsoft/2398317). Darktrace announced an integration bringing behavioural AI-agent risk signals from its SECURE AI product into Microsoft Agent 365. The integration is intended to help customers identify anomalous agent behaviour alongside Microsoft signals.
- 20 August 2026, helpnetsecurity.com: [Fake Gemini installer delivers Vidar infostealer via Google Colab lure](https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2026/08/20/fake-google-gemini-installer-vidar-infostealer/). Darktrace investigated a Vidar infostealer campaign using a fake Google Gemini installer and Google Colab lure. Its Autonomous Response system blocked malicious communications and quarantined the infected device.

- [Darktrace deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-cybersecurity-2026-08?entity=darktrace&view=deep-dive)
- [Darktrace PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-cybersecurity-2026-08/reports/darktrace.pdf)

### Bridewell

**Threat Intelligence & Research shaped Bridewell's media profile during August 2026**

Bridewell ranked 4th of 6 by average monthly share of coverage (2.4%) in the UK Cybersecurity benchmark for August 2026, with 1 mentions and a net tone of +100.

In August 2026, Bridewell recorded 1 mention, 2.4% of cohort coverage and rank #4, with net sentiment of +100. Bridewell reported confirmed infostealer exposure at 10 UK critical national infrastructure organisations during the second quarter of 2026. Manufacturing accounted for four victims, while the report urged faster credential and session remediation. Threat Intelligence & Research accounted for 1 mention. This small sample is directional: it describes the articles found in August but is not large enough to establish a durable reputation pattern.

Key messages:

- Bridewell recorded 1 mention in August, so the findings are directional.
- Bridewell reported confirmed infostealer exposure at 10 UK critical national infrastructure organisations during the second quarter of 2026. Manufacturing accounted for four victims, while the report urged faster credential and session remediation.
- Threat Intelligence & Research accounted for 1 mention.

Leading themes:

- Threat Intelligence & Research: 100.0% of Bridewell's coverage (theme index 2.22, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 13 August 2026, industrialcyber.co: [Bridewell reports infostealer threat to UK critical infrastructure sector, as manufacturing takes 40% of victims](https://industrialcyber.co/manufacturing/bridewell-reports-infostealer-threat-to-uk-critical-infrastructure-sector-as-manufacturing-takes-40-of-victims/). Bridewell reported confirmed infostealer exposure at 10 UK critical national infrastructure organisations during the second quarter of 2026. Manufacturing accounted for four victims, while the report urged faster credential and session remediation.

- [Bridewell deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-cybersecurity-2026-08?entity=bridewell&view=deep-dive)
- [Bridewell PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-cybersecurity-2026-08/reports/bridewell.pdf)

### BAE Systems Digital Intelligence

**BAE Systems Digital Intelligence had no qualifying coverage in August 2026**

BAE Systems Digital Intelligence ranked 0th of 6 by average monthly share of coverage (0.0%) in the UK Cybersecurity benchmark for August 2026, with 0 mentions and a net tone of 0.

No qualifying earned-media mentions of BAE Systems Digital Intelligence were recorded in August 2026 within the tracked source set. The edition therefore assigns 0% cohort share and no rank. No classified mentions were available for sentiment or theme analysis, so the report makes no claim about the company's reputation. The 0% figure records an evidence gap rather than a reputation score.

Key messages:

- No qualifying mentions were recorded for BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, so this edition reports no rank, leading theme or sentiment assessment.
- The 0% share records an evidence gap in the tracked source set; it is not a reputation score.

- [BAE Systems Digital Intelligence deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-cybersecurity-2026-08?entity=baesystemsdigitalintelligence&view=deep-dive)
- [BAE Systems Digital Intelligence PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-cybersecurity-2026-08/reports/baesystemsdigitalintelligence.pdf)

### Immersive Labs

**Immersive Labs had no qualifying coverage in August 2026**

Immersive Labs ranked 0th of 6 by average monthly share of coverage (0.0%) in the UK Cybersecurity benchmark for August 2026, with 0 mentions and a net tone of 0.

No qualifying earned-media mentions of Immersive Labs were recorded in August 2026 within the tracked source set. The edition therefore assigns 0% cohort share and no rank. No classified mentions were available for sentiment or theme analysis, so the report makes no claim about the company's reputation. The 0% figure records an evidence gap rather than a reputation score.

Key messages:

- No qualifying mentions were recorded for Immersive Labs, so this edition reports no rank, leading theme or sentiment assessment.
- The 0% share records an evidence gap in the tracked source set; it is not a reputation score.

- [Immersive Labs deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-cybersecurity-2026-08?entity=immersivelabs&view=deep-dive)
- [Immersive Labs PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-cybersecurity-2026-08/reports/immersivelabs.pdf)

## Methodology

- **Share of coverage**: an organisation's mentions divided by all mentions of the organisations tracked in the same sector that month, in UK earned media. It is the central measure of media visibility in Omniscan benchmarks. "Average monthly share" is the mean of the monthly shares across the reporting period.
- **Mention**: one article that covers an organisation, classified as positive, neutral or negative in tone. Articles are deduplicated, and an organisation's own websites and passing sponsorship name-checks are excluded, so only earned media counts.
- **Net tone**: positive mentions minus negative mentions, as a percentage of all mentions (range −100 to +100).
- **Themes**: every article is assigned to one of the sector's editorial themes. A theme index above 1 means the organisation is covered on that theme more than its peers are; below 1 means less.
- **Calculation**: every figure is computed directly from the classified articles; narrative summaries are checked against those figures.
- **Sources**: UK national and international, trade and specialist, regional and local, and aggregator and syndication earned media.

## Other UK Cybersecurity editions

- [UK cybersecurity media reputation tracker – 2026 year to date](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-cybersecurity-2026-ytd.md)
- [UK cybersecurity media reputation tracker – H1 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-cybersecurity-2026-h1.md)
- [UK cybersecurity media reputation tracker – July 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-cybersecurity-2026-07.md)
- [UK cybersecurity media reputation tracker – September 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-cybersecurity-2026-09.md)
- [All Omniscan media benchmarks](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks.md)

## How to cite

Omniscan, "UK cybersecurity media reputation tracker", August 2026 (1 August 2026–31 August 2026), published 1 September 2026. https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-cybersecurity-2026-08