The UK Government has announced a significant step forward in national cyber resilience with the introduction of the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill - a landmark piece of legislation aimed at strengthening the UK's defences against increasing cyber threats.

This new bill is designed to bolster the security of critical national infrastructure and essential digital services, ensuring that both public and private sector organisations are better protected and more accountable in the face of evolving cyber risks.

Key Highlights from the Bill:

• Expanded Scope of Regulation - The bill widens the net of existing cyber security laws to cover a broader range of essential services and sectors, recognising the growing reliance on digital infrastructure in sectors beyond traditional tech.
• Mandatory Incident Reporting - Organisations covered under the bill will be required to report major cyber incidents within 24 hours of detection and submit a full incident report within 72 hours. This two-step process will enable quicker response coordination and threat mitigation across the ecosystem.
• Stronger Powers for Regulators - Regulators will now have increased authority to proactively investigate cyber risks, enforce compliance with best-practice security standards, and recover costs related to regulatory oversight.
• Greater Transparency and Accountability - In a move to enhance public and sector-wide confidence, the legislation introduces new requirements around how organisations disclose and manage cyber incidents. This aligns with national ambitions to drive a more open and collaborative cyber security culture.

What This Means for Midlands Businesses

This new legislation is not just a London-centric policy; it has significant implications for businesses across the Midlands, particularly in our region’s growing digital and manufacturing sectors. Organisations will need to review their cyber readiness, update reporting processes, and potentially invest in more robust security frameworks.

At Midlands Cyber, we’re committed to supporting businesses through these changes - whether you’re a start-up, an SME, or part of the supply chain for critical services. We’ll be offering practical guidance and events over the coming months to help you understand and implement the requirements of the new bill.

     “This legislation is a welcome move toward improving national resilience. For the Midlands, it highlights the growing strategic importance of our digital and cyber sectors and reinforces the need for businesses to treat cyber risk as a core priority,” said Ryan Protheroe, Midlands Cyber Cluster Manager.

If you’d like to speak to us about how your business can prepare for the new legislation or access support, get in touch at [email protected] or join our newsletter for upcoming events and insights.