Partner Article

A landmark step towards a safer digital future

The UK Government’s proposed Cyber Security and Resilience Bill is a landmark moment in the nation's approach to digital defence. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, this legislation could transform how UK organisations, large and small, approach security and resilience, writes Richard Brown, chief executive officer at Melius CyberSafe.

For too long, cyber security has been treated as optional rather than essential. Many businesses remain vulnerable because resilience hasn’t kept pace with the threat landscape. This Bill aims to change that, moving cyber resilience from recommendation to requirement.

A massive step in the right direction

The Bill aims to strengthen the UK’s defences against cyber threats, especially those targeting essential services and supply chains. In recent years, attacks have disrupted the NHS, the Ministry of Defence, and local councils. No organisation is immune.

By expanding the regulatory scope and mandating tougher security measures, the government is taking a proactive stance. But this isn't just about protecting infrastructure, it’s about creating a safer, more stable environment for innovation, investment, and growth.

When businesses can operate securely, they are better equipped to thrive.

Empowering regulators, strengthening businesses

One of the most significant developments is the Bill’s boost to regulatory powers. Authorities, particularly the ICO, will be able to carry out proactive investigations and recover costs from enforcement action.

Mandatory incident reporting, including ransomware attacks, is also a key requirement. Too often, incidents go unreported, limiting visibility into risks. This Bill will help build a clearer national picture, enabling faster, more coordinated responses across industries.

Greater clarity on critical suppliers and security frameworks

The Bill also introduces clearer definitions of critical suppliers, organisations that underpin national and economic security. These include Managed Service Providers (MSPs), cloud providers, and data centres, which will be held to stricter technical standards to prevent them from becoming weak links in the supply chain.

The National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) is likely to shape these requirements.

Businesses will need to align with its principles to meet compliance, improving governance, risk management, and resilience, without being overwhelmed by bureaucracy.

Aligning with global standards

The UK is not alone in tightening cyber regulations. The EU’s NIS2 Directive and similar measures worldwide reflect a global shift toward tougher standards. The Bill helps ensure the UK keeps pace. For internationally operating businesses, alignment with global norms will be critical to maintaining trust and competitiveness.

Final thoughts

While this Bill is a positive move, it lacks practical guidance for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), many of which lack dedicated cyber expertise. A significant number still only act after an attack has occurred. Without clearer support, compliance may feel out of reach.

We believe wider adoption of Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) as a baseline standard would help. Mandating CE+ would raise the bar across all sectors, giving even smaller businesses fundamental protection. We also recommend requiring each business to appoint a cyber security lead, accountable for overseeing defences. This simple step could significantly boost adoption and awareness.

At Melius CyberSafe, we’re on a mission to make cyber security simple, safe, and affordable for UK SMEs. We’ve long advocated for making cyber security essential rather than optional, and this Bill brings us one step closer to that goal.

For more information, visit our website or call 0191 249 3003 to find out how we can help you stay secure.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Cairney .