What It Means for Your Business and How to Prepare for It

Cybersecurity is already a major concern for businesses, but with the upcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill currently progressing through Parliament, it’s set to become even more important. The proposed legislation is expected to come in later this year and will introduce stricter requirements around how organisations manage and respond to cyber threats.

At Edmondson's, we’re already helping businesses prepare for these changes, ensuring they stay compliant, secure and resilient.

What’s the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill?

The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill is intended to strengthen the cyber defences and protect both essential services and the wider economy from growing cyber threats.

The legislation will build on existing regulations, particularly the Network and Information Systems Regulations, but goes further by expanding the scope and raising expectations around security and resilience.

What’ll Change for Businesses?

While not every business will be directly affected, the impact of this new legislation will still be felt across the board. Here are some of the key changes to look out for:

Stronger Security Requirements

Businesses will be expected to implement appropriate and proportionate cybersecurity measures across their systems and services, rather than taking a reactive approach.

Mandatory Incident Reporting

The Bill is likely to introduce stricter and faster reporting requirements for cyber incidents, ensuring authorities and affected parties are informed quickly.

Greater Accountability

There will be increased oversight from regulators, along with stronger enforcement powers and potentially higher financial penalties for non-compliance.

Focus on Supply Chain Security

Businesses will need to consider not just their own setup, but also their suppliers and partners, as third-party vulnerabilities are a common entry point for attacks.

Steps You Can Take

The good news is that you don’t need to wait for the legislation to come into force. Taking action now will not only help you prepare for the changes but also strengthen your cybersecurity:

Review Your Current IT Setup

Start with a full assessment of your systems, identifying any vulnerabilities, outdated software or unsupported hardware.

Strengthen Password Policies

Ensure all users have strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.

Implement Reliable Backups

Make sure your data is backed up regularly and stored securely, with the ability to restore quickly in the event of an incident.

Keep Systems Updated

Regular patching and updates are essential to protect against known vulnerabilities.

Train Your Staff

Human error remains one of the biggest risks. Regular training can help staff spot phishing emails and avoid common threats.

Review Your Suppliers

Check that any third-party providers you rely on meet the appropriate security standards.

Develop an Incident Response Plan

Know exactly what to do if something goes wrong. A clear plan can significantly reduce downtime and damage.

How Edmondson's Can Help

Preparing for new legislation can feel overwhelming, especially when cyber threats are constantly evolving. That’s where Edmondson's comes in.

We work with businesses to assess their current systems, identify risks and implement practical, cost-effective solutions that improve both security and resilience. From proactive monitoring and secure backups to staff training and ongoing support, we help ensure your business is ready for whatever comes next.