The Cyber Security & Resilience Bill - A Simple Guide for UK Businesses

Introduction

Cyber-attacks against UK organisations have reached record levels in recent years. Reports from the National Cyber Security Centre highlight growing threats such as ransomware, email phishing and supply‑chain attacks affecting businesses of all sizes. Many incidents now start with something as simple as a single malicious email or an unpatched device.

Against this backdrop, the Government introduced the Cyber Security & Resilience Bill to Parliament in November 2025. The aim is to strengthen national cyber defences and ensure organisations follow consistent, reliable security practices. The Bill is expected to come into force sometime in 2026, with changes rolled out gradually.

This short guide explains what the Bill may mean for you and how you can prepare.

 

What the Bill Is Trying to Do

Cyber crime continues to increase. The Bill aims to make sure organisations have stronger protection in place. It focuses on:

• Standards: Raising basic cyber-security standards

• Incidents Reporting: Improving how serious cyber incidents are reported

• Supply Chain: Strengthening security across supply chains

• Enforced Rules: Giving regulators more power to enforce rules

 

Who Might Be Affected?

You do not need to be a large company to feel the impact. You may be affected if your business:

• Provides services to bigger organisations

• Stores or handles customer or operational data

• Uses cloud-based systems or online software

• Works in logistics, transport, courier services, media, retail or professional services

Suppliers and digital service providers are likely to be a major focus of the new rules.

This is because many recent UK cyber incidents have spread through supply chains rather than targeting one business directly. Attackers often compromise a smaller contractor or service provider first, then use that access to reach a larger organisation. Cloud‑based systems and online platforms are also common entry points - if one system is breached, it can disrupt multiple customers at once. These weaknesses are a major reason the Bill highlights supply‑chain security and digital services as areas requiring stronger protections.

Recent UK incidents this year alone (2025) show why this matters:

• Heathrow Airport check-in/baggage systems cyber-attack - A cyber-attack on Heathrow airport's system caused major travel disruption and long queues, highlighting how quickly critical systems can be affected. (BBC)

• Marks & Spencer ransomware attack - M&S was forced to halt online orders after a major ransomware attack, and customer information was taken, leading to weeks of disruption. (Reuters)

• Co‑op and Harrods supply‑chain incidents - Both retailers were affected by cyber incidents linked to vulnerabilities in partner systems, demonstrating the ripple effect of supply‑chain weaknesses. (SafeContractor)

• Rise in nationally significant attacks - The NCSC reported a sharp increase in major UK cyber incidents during 2025, further emphasising the urgency of resilience. (NCSC)

• Autumn Budget leak - A vulnerability in a widely‑used WordPress plugin allowed attackers to access and publish confidential Budget information early. (The Register)

These examples show how quickly issues in a supplier or digital service can cause widespread disruption, even when your own systems are not directly targeted.

 

What to Expect (Based on Current Guidance)

1. Stronger security requirements

Things like multi-factor authentication, software updates and clear access rules may become expected as standard.

2. Faster reporting of cyber incidents

Businesses may need to report serious attacks, such as ransomware or major breaches, more quickly.

3. More pressure from customers and suppliers

Larger organisations may begin asking you to show evidence of your cyber-security practices.

 

What You Can Do Now

You don’t need to wait for the Bill to become law. A few simple steps can make a big difference:

• Turn on multi-factor authentication

• Keep devices and software up to date

• Back up important data securely

• Train staff to spot suspicious emails

• Review how you manage passwords and access

• Check whether your current insurance includes cyber cover

We’ve also covered related topics in previous Ratcliffes Insights articles, which include helpful free tools designed to help businesses improve their resilience:

• Business Risk Prevention Checklist

• Web Page Security Scanner

• Business Continuity Plan Guide

Many businesses also use frameworks like Cyber Essentials to help organise their basic security.

 

How Ratcliffes Can Help

Ratcliffes can support you by:

• Reviewing your existing insurance to confirm whether cyber risks are included

• Helping you understand what protections insurers usually expect

• Offering cyber liability insurance designed to support UK SMEs

We’ll continue to monitor the progress of the Bill and share updates as more details become available.

If you’d like help reviewing your cyber liability cover or understanding what this Bill could mean for your insurance needs, our team is here to help. Contact Ratcliffes for clear guidance and practical support.

We will also be publishing future Insight articles focusing on email vulnerability and practical defensive steps, as well as a clear, plain‑English guide to Cyber Essentials, to help businesses strengthen their protection further.  So, stay tuned.

 

References

• Insurance Business UK: UK officially unveils cyber security and resilience bill to counter rising threats

• CSO Online: UK cybersecurity bill brings tougher rules for critical infrastructure

• Cybersecurity Dive: Cybersecurity Dive: UK authorities propose law to set minimum cyber standards for critical sectors

• SecurityBrief UK: New UK cyber security bill to raise standards for all suppliers