How Far Has the UK Cyber Bill Come Since Its Announcement in 2024?
When the UK Government first announced plans for a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill in the King’s Speech of July 2024, it signalled a major shift in how the country would tackle growing cyber threats. Fast forward to today, and the Bill has moved from concept to Parliament, marking the most significant update to UK cyber legislation since the original Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations 2018.
Why Was the Bill Needed?
The cyber threat landscape has changed dramatically since 2024. High-profile attacks on critical sectors, from healthcare and transport to retail and manufacturing, have exposed vulnerabilities at the heart of the UK’s economy and national infrastructure. The rise of AI-driven attacks and increasingly complex supply chains has made traditional frameworks inadequate. In 2025 alone, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) reported a 130% increase in nationally significant incidents, costing the UK economy an estimated £14.7 billion annually.
What Does the Bill Aim to Do?
The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, introduced to Parliament in November 2025, is designed to:
- Modernise outdated regulations by amending the NIS framework.
- Expand the scope to include managed service providers (MSPs) and data centres, alongside traditional operators of essential services (energy, water, health, transport, and digital infrastructure).
- Strengthen enforcement powers, with penalties of up to £17 million or 4% of global turnover for serious breaches.
- Mandate faster incident reporting, requiring organisations to notify regulators within 24 hours and provide a full report within 72 hours.
- Introduce Henry VIII clauses, giving the Secretary of State powers to update regulations quickly in response to emerging threats, a move welcomed for agility, but raising concerns about transparency and industry consultation.
Where Is the Bill Now?
The Bill has completed its first reading in the House of Commons and is awaiting its second reading. Full implementation is expected in 2026, following Royal Assent and secondary legislation. Businesses should start preparing now by reviewing their incident response plans, supply chain security, and compliance frameworks.
Industry Impact and Concerns
For the first time, MSPs and IT service providers will be regulated under a NIS-style regime. This means:
- Direct duties to manage cyber risk and report incidents.
- Potential designation as “critical suppliers,” even for smaller firms serving essential sectors.
- Increased scrutiny from regulators such as the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which will gain new powers under the Bill.
While many measures are welcomed, critics argue the Bill’s scope remains narrow and risks creating a top-down regulatory model that could alienate industry. There are also questions about how the Bill interacts with financial services, which appear to remain outside its remit, continuing under their own regulatory framework.
What Happens Next?
The Bill is a vital step toward improving national resilience, but legislation alone isn’t enough. Success will depend on:
- Government and industry collaboration to shape practical standards.
- Investment in skills and resources for regulators like the ICO and NCSC.
- A whole-of-society approach, where businesses and citizens understand their role in defending against cyber threats.
Certes IT Service Solutions helps organisations navigate these changes with tailored compliance strategies, robust security frameworks, and proactive risk management. Contact us to learn how we can support your business in meeting the new requirements and building resilience for the future.
