A major shift is coming to the UK’s digital landscape. Set to come into enforcement in 2026, the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill will legally raise the bar on how businesses protect, monitor, and report their cyber defences. And this time, the pressure won’t just be on IT teams, it’s everyone’s responsibility.
Digital Platforms Putting User Safety First
Across the UK, digital platforms are stepping up their security game. From online banking apps like Monzo and Starling, to healthcare portals such as NHS Login, companies are focusing on giving users safe, encrypted, and transparent digital services. These platforms are investing in two-factor authentication, real-time threat detection, and data encryption to protect both access and personal information.
Even in the entertainment space, user safety is now a top priority. Take MrQ, for instance. Thousands of UK players play casino games with Mr Q. As a licensed and regulated UK operator, MrQ uses verified software, encrypted transactions, and responsible gambling controls to create a secure experience for its users.
These aren’t isolated cases. Across industries, UK digital providers are adopting tougher security measures to keep up with evolving threats. But cybercrime continues to grow, with attacks becoming more sophisticated, more targeted, and more disruptive.
That’s exactly why the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill was introduced. It builds on the progress these companies have already made, aiming to create a legal baseline for digital security across sectors. The bill will ensure that more businesses are not only following best practice, but are legally required to meet clear security standards, report incidents quickly, and protect their users from start to finish.
24 Hours to Respond Or Risk Penalties
Under the current NIS regulations, organisations have 72 hours to report serious cyber incidents. The new bill shortens that window drastically. You’ll need to:
- Send an initial report within 24 hours
- Submit a full incident summary in 72 hours
- Notify the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) at the same time as your regulator
Most businesses are not ready for this kind of speed. Legal, comms, IT, and leadership must be able to coordinate almost instantly after an attack. That means rehearsing responses, preparing templates, and cutting through internal delays.
Cyber insurance won’t save you if your response is too slow. Regulators will have more power to fine and publicly name organisations that fail to comply.
From Optional Guidance to Legal Requirement
For years, the government has offered voluntary frameworks like Cyber Essentials and the Cyber Governance Code of Practice. They were recommended, but not mandatory.
That’s changing. The bill plans to turn these frameworks into law. If you don’t meet them, you’re not just behind, you’re legally exposed. This includes:
- Regular patching and updates
- Access controls and multi-factor authentication
- Risk assessments and documentation
- Board-level responsibility and oversight
Insurers, regulators, and clients will start demanding evidence, not promises.
Supply Chain Risks Are Now Yours to Own
One of the most important parts of the bill is how it handles supply chains. Businesses won’t just need to secure themselves, they’ll also be expected to monitor and assess their vendors.
If a critical supplier is compromised, and that affects your ability to deliver services, you’ll need to:
- Notify regulators
- Possibly notify customers
- Show what steps you took to assess and manage that risk
Digital supply chains are now seen as national security issues. That means businesses need to treat their vendor choices and contracts as part of their cyber defence strategy.
What the Smart Companies Are Doing Already
Forward-thinking organisations aren’t waiting for the law to land. They’re getting ahead now. Here’s what many are already doing:
- Mapping their digital systems and critical services
- Testing incident response plans under 24-hour timeframes
- Benchmarking themselves against the Cyber Assessment Framework
- Reviewing supplier contracts to include breach reporting clauses
- Training boards and executives on cyber duties
This isn’t just about protection. It’s about readiness. Because when something goes wrong, how fast you respond can decide whether your business survives, or ends up in the headlines.
What You Can Do Now
You don’t have to wait for the law to kick in. You can start preparing today. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Run a cyber drill with a fake breach scenario
- List your critical suppliers, their roles, and potential risks
- Audit your systems using Cyber Essentials as a baseline
- Update contracts to include breach notifications
- Get your leadership team involved now, not later
Comply or Get Burned
This bill isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about building a resilient business that can face modern threats.
Whether you’re a tech provider, a healthcare trust, or an online retailer, the message is the same: Cyber security is now part of your job, no matter what your title is.
Get ahead. Build resilience. Don’t wait to be forced into action.
