Driving Digital Transformation in Cyber to Strengthen National Security
Guest blog by Jo Etheridge, Vice President and Managing Director of National Security and Defence Division at Leidos #NatSec2025
Jo Etheridge
VP and MD, National Security and Defence, Leidos
As part of National Security Impact Days 2025, Leidos is proud to share how we are supporting digital transformation across the national security ecosystem, with a focus on innovation in cyber.
Cybersecurity continues to evolve rapidly, and with it, the way national security operates. The latest developments in cyber show how digital change can deliver faster, more informed decisions, improve inclusivity across the workforce, and prepare us for the emerging technologies that will shape the years ahead.
Making transformation accessible
For Leidos, digital transformation starts with people. We believe the best technology is only as strong as the teams behind it. That means investing in tools and platforms that are easy to use, adaptable, and inclusive.
In cyber, this often means bridging the gap between technical and non-technical teams. We aim to make complex systems understandable to all users - not just data analysts or IT professionals. It also means ensuring that diverse voices are part of the conversation, from early careers talent to experienced professionals entering the cyber field from other sectors.
Across national security, we’re seeing a stronger focus on inclusion. Whether through tailored training, simplified digital interfaces, or more accessible data, transformation is becoming something everyone can engage with, not just specialists. That shift is helping to build a more resilient and agile workforce.
To support this, Leidos champions initiatives that make cyber careers more accessible, including for veterans, as one of the ‘100 great British employers of veterans’. Inclusive growth is a foundation for long-term capability, working together with collaboration, dedication, and a mission-focus.
Supporting better decision-making
One of the biggest opportunities digital transformation brings to cyber is the ability to make smarter, faster decisions. The volume and complexity of today’s threat environment with state and non-state actors using artificial intelligence, as well as attempts to hack into infrastructure means that national security organisations need real-time insight, not just data, but intelligence they can act on. AI-powered cyber threats are now a top concern for senior risk executives and managers, making this imperative.
Legacy systems are also a challenge, as they face the cyber environment of today for which they were never designed. AI has also significantly altered the threat landscape, but it also offers some of the most powerful tools that we have to fight back. Machine learning models can identify anomalies faster than traditional methods, adapt to new threat patterns, and support analysts by filtering vast amounts of data into focused, actionable insight.
But alongside the technology, we’re also focused on trust. Decision-making tools must be transparent, ethical, and accountable. Having recently been awarded a contract to support NHS Supply Chain with their cybersecurity by ensuring 24/7 oversight and compliance, we are helping partners implement clear frameworks that ensure AI and data tools are used with integrity.
What’s next?
Innovation in cyber is continuous. From automation and autonomous systems, the technologies we’re working with today will define the next generation of national security capabilities.
This rapid pace of change brings great opportunity, but also complexity. National security stakeholders are now planning not just for the threats of today, but for those still emerging. Threat actors are evolving, and so must our defences and capabilities.
The challenge is not just technical readiness, but operational integration. Systems must be interoperable, agile, and able to adapt as threats change. Leidos is helping public sector organisations move towards more flexible, collaborative, and resilient environments.
None of this can be done in isolation. One of the strongest themes emerging across the sector - and one we actively support - is cross-sector collaboration. Government, industry, academia, and the third sector all have a role to play. Building trust and transparency across the ecosystem leads to faster adoption and more sustainable impact.
We also support national and regional initiatives aimed at developing the next generation of cyber talent. This includes working with universities, apprenticeships, and schools to help create more pathways into cyber, and ensure the workforce of the future reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
Creating long-term value
Digital transformation in cyber isn’t just about tools, but it’s about outcomes. When done well, it improves national security, protects people and systems, and creates long-term social and economic value.
It supports faster public services, strengthens resilience at the local and national level, and helps ensure the UK remains prepared for the challenges ahead.
At Leidos, we’re proud to be contributing to that effort. Working alongside public sector partners, we’re committed to helping shape and defend a digital future that’s secure and effective.
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Prior to joining techUK, Raya worked in Business Development for an expert network firm within the institutional investment space. Before this Raya spent a year in industry working for a tech start-up in London as part of their Growth team which included the formation and development of a 'Let's Talk Tech' podcast and involvement in London Tech Week.
Raya has a degree in Politics and International Relations (Bsc Hons) from the University of Bath where she focused primarily on national security and counter-terrorism policies, centreing research on female-led terrorism and specific approaches to justice there.
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Associate Director, Defence and National Security, techUK
Fred Sugden
Associate Director, Defence and National Security, techUK
Fred is responsible for techUK's activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working to provide members with access to key stakeholders across the Defence and National Security community. Before taking on the role of Associate Director for Defence and National Security, Fred joined techUK in 2018, working as the Programme Head for Defence at techUK, leading the organisation's engagement with the Ministry of Defence. Before joining techUK, he worked at ADS, the national trade association representing Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space companies in the UK.
Fred is responsible for techUK’s market engagement and policy development activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working closely with various organisations within the Ministry of Defence, and across the wider National Security and Intelligence community. Fred works closely with many techUK member companies that have an interest in these sectors, and is responsible for the activities of techUK's senior Defence & Security Board. Working closely with techUK's Programme Head for Cyber Security, Fred oversees a broad range of activities for techUK members.
Outside of work, Fred's interests include football (a Watford FC fan) and skiing.
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Tracy Modha
Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Tracy supports the marketing of several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Central Government, Cyber Resilience, Defence, Education, Health and Social Care, Justice and Emergency Services, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Francesca Richiusa
Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK
Fran serves as the Programme Team Assistant within techUK’s Public Sector Market Programmes, where she is responsible for delivering comprehensive team support, managing administrative functions, and fostering strong relationships with members.
Prior to joining techUK in May 2025, Fran built a meaningful career in the charitable and local government sectors. She worked extensively with both victims and perpetrators of crime, and notably led the coordination of Domestic Homicide Reviews across Surrey—an initiative aimed at identifying lessons and preventing future incidents of domestic abuse.
Outside of work, Fran is an avid traveller and a proud cat mum who enjoys unwinding with her feline companions.
VP and MD, Leidos UK’s National Security and Defence Division
Jo Etheridge, Vice President & Managing Director, National Security & Defence, Division, Leidos UK and Europe.
Jo has over 17 years’ experience in the defence sector, joining Leidos in 2024.
Jo’s most recent role was the Head of Delivery and Operations Director for
Defence and National Security UK at Fujitsu. In this role, Jo led the delivery of
over 20 accounts, providing critical services for end users and wider
stakeholders. The role also headed up Operations, leading over 1,350 people
dedicated to working on Defence and National Security accounts.
From 2019 to 2021, Jo won key strategic deals for the Fujitsu Defence business,
which also saw her achieve Fujitsu Top Performers recognition two years in a
row. In the earlier years of Jo’s career, she held the role of Delivery Executive,
leading a portfolio of accounts in complex environments. This leadership role
was built on several programme, project and service management roles where
she developed a reputation for customer- focused delivery and enduring
service excellence.
Jo served as a Director of UK&I La Scheme Limited from 2022 to 2024.
Jo holds a BSc (Hons) in Management Science from Loughborough University.
She graduated from the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) in July 2020,
having successfully attended as part of the 2019/2020 cohort.
