- May 26, 2025
- Posted by: Gradeon
- Categories: Digital Services, Cyber Security
Cyber threats are evolving fast. UK businesses, especially those in regulated sectors, must act now to strengthen their digital defences. The UK Government is taking this seriously—with the introduction of the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill.
This bill is a key part of the UK’s National Cyber Strategy 2022. It aims to make the UK one of the most secure places to do business online. In this article, we’ll break down what the bill is, who it affects, and how your organisation can prepare.
What Is the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill?
The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill is a proposed UK law that will:
- Increase cyber resilience across key sectors.
- Expand and update existing cyber regulations.
- Give the government more power to intervene in the event of serious cyber incidents.
This bill builds on the Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations 2018. It reflects the UK’s need to modernise cybersecurity standards in an increasingly digital and connected economy.
Why Is This Bill Important?
In recent years, the UK has faced major cyberattacks—targeting hospitals, local councils, energy providers, and financial firms. The cost of these attacks is rising, not just in financial terms, but in lost trust and operational damage.
This bill is important because:
- Threats are growing: Ransomware attacks and supply chain breaches are on the rise.
- Legacy systems are vulnerable: Many UK businesses still rely on outdated infrastructure.
- Digital services are critical: A disruption in these services can impact thousands of people.
With cyber risk now seen as a business risk—not just an IT issue—this bill makes it clear: cybersecurity is no longer optional.
Who Will Be Affected?
The bill is expected to affect:
- Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) providers
- Managed Service Providers (MSPs)
- Digital service providers
- Third-party suppliers working with regulated industries
Organisations in sectors like:
- Financial services
- Healthcare
- Energy and utilities
- Transportation
- Government bodies
These organisations will likely fall within scope. Even businesses not directly regulated may face new expectations if they supply critical services or software, particularly if their products or services are integral to the operations of essential or digital infrastructure operators.
Key Provisions in the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill
Here are the main changes your business should be aware of:
1. Expanded Scope of NIS Regulations
The bill plans to update and expand the scope of the NIS Regulations. This means more organisations will be classed as “important digital infrastructure” and must follow stricter rules.
2. Stricter Compliance Obligations
Organisations will need to:
- Implement stronger cybersecurity controls.
- Prove they have risk management processes in place.
- Report incidents faster—within hours, not days.
3. Increased Powers for Government and Regulators
The government and regulators (like the ICO or Ofcom) will gain more powers, including:
- Inspecting IT systems and controls.
- Enforcing fines for non-compliance.
- Issuing improvement notices.
4. Focus on Supply Chain Security
Your business will also need to ensure that third-party suppliers and MSPs meet cybersecurity standards. This includes conducting regular risk assessments and having clear policies for vendor access.
How Can UK Businesses Prepare?
Getting ready for this bill doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Many steps align with existing good practices. Here’s how you can get ahead:
1. Conduct a Cybersecurity Gap Analysis
Review your current infrastructure, policies, and controls. Identify gaps between your current posture and what the bill is likely to require.
Ask questions like:
- Are we patching systems regularly?
- Do we have clear incident response plans?
- How are we managing access to sensitive systems?
2. Review Supplier Risk
Audit your third-party vendors, especially those with access to your networks or data. Ensure they meet your cybersecurity requirements and are contractually obliged to maintain standards.
3. Implement a Zero Trust Approach
Adopt a Zero Trust Architecture. This means verifying every user, device, and request—every time. Zero Trust reduces the risk of lateral movement in the event of a breach.
4. Boost Incident Response Capabilities
Ensure your team is ready to respond quickly to an incident. Conduct tabletop exercises. Update your incident playbooks. Make sure roles and responsibilities are clear.
5. Train Your Team
Your employees are your first line of defence. Offer regular training on phishing, social engineering, password hygiene, and secure practices.
6. Appoint a Cybersecurity Lead
Whether it’s a CISO, an IT head, or an external consultant, you’ll need someone responsible for driving compliance and managing cyber risks.
Benefits of Early Adoption
By aligning with the bill now, you don’t just avoid penalties—you gain real business benefits:
- Improved trust with customers and regulators
- Lower risk of data breaches or service disruptions
- Stronger position in the supply chain
- Greater readiness for future regulations
Cybersecurity is no longer a cost centre. It’s a competitive advantage.
What Happens Next?
The bill is still in the legislative process, but it’s moving quickly. A final version may be passed soon, followed by a phased implementation.
The government is also holding consultations and working with industry experts to shape the final version.
Keep an eye on updates from:
- DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport)
- NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre)
- ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office)
Final Thoughts
The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill signals a major shift in how the UK approaches digital security. Businesses that take action now will not only comply but thrive.
By strengthening your infrastructure, training your teams, and reviewing your supply chain, you’re not just ticking boxes—you’re building a future-proof business.
