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New cyber laws to safeguard UK economy & secure long-term growth

ended 01. April 2025

The government will today set out the scope and ambition of the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill for the first time (read the full announcement >> here <<). The move forms part of the government’s drive to secure Britain’s future through the Plan for Change, delivering security and renewal by strengthening our critical infrastructure. It will give the British public, businesses and investors greater confidence in digital services - supporting the government’s mission to kickstart economic growth. Cyber threats cost the UK economy almost £22 billion a year between 2015 and 2019 and cause significant disruption to the British public and businesses. Any thoughts on the bill and whether it will prove effective, and protect UK businesses and the public — or if it's more idle chatter — send them across.

 

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Keith Budden
Managing Director at Ensurety
Any increase in legal powers for cybersecurity is a good thing, so I should be all in favour of this bill - but as always, the devil is in the detail, the Government expect this to affect only around 1000 businesses. Yes, true that these businesses provide what the Government classes as vital digital infrastructure including the NHS (and possibly datacentres although the bill is a bit vague on that), but what about all other businesses, why not make this bill apply to all data processors?

On a positive note, this bill, taken in combination with the emerging Data Protection and Information Bill (which is currently making its way through the House of Lords and will affect all businesses and organisations, small and large) could be a step change in cyber protection in the UK.

Will all this involve cost to business? Yes, but if you think doing something is expensive, consider the potential cost of doing nothing.