The UK government’s forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill is a clear signal that cybersecurity is no longer a technical back-office function, it’s now a board-level priority. With the cost of cybercrime to the UK economy reaching billions annually, this legislation represents a major step toward strengthening national resilience and protecting the digital backbone of public and private sector organisations alike.
From hospitals to IT providers, and from critical infrastructure to cloud services, the new law will expand regulatory oversight, toughen enforcement, and raise expectations around incident response. For UK businesses, the message is clear: be prepared, be proactive, and be accountable.
What the New Legislation Covers
The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill will introduce several key measures:
- Wider Regulatory Reach
The scope of oversight will expand to cover more digital services, suppliers, and infrastructure providers – particularly those considered part of the UK’s essential digital supply chain. - Enhanced Regulatory Powers
Regulatory bodies will be granted greater authority to oversee compliance, investigate incidents, and enforce penalties for non-compliance. This includes audits, security assessments, and mandates for systemic improvements. - Mandatory Incident Reporting
Organisations will be legally required to:- Report significant cyber incidents within 24 hours
- Submit a full incident report within 72 hours
This is a shift from voluntary best practice to enforceable obligation — putting pressure on companies to have tested incident response plans in place.
What Businesses Should Be Doing Now
If you’re not already reviewing your cyber posture, now is the time. Here’s where to start:
- Conduct a Cyber Risk Audit
Review your systems, data flows, third-party integrations, and points of vulnerability. If you’re unsure where to begin, consider bringing in external specialists. - Implement Real-Time Monitoring
Invest in systems that offer continuous threat detection and alerting, not just periodic checks. - Update Your Incident Response Plan
Make sure your organisation has a documented, tested process for responding to cyber incidents — including how to meet the new 24- and 72-hour reporting deadlines. - Strengthen Supplier Due Diligence
Many breaches happen via third parties. Conduct robust cybersecurity screening of vendors, contractors, and partners. - Train Your Staff
Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. Provide regular training to ensure your teams can spot phishing attempts, follow password protocols, and escalate concerns appropriately.
Monitor the Dark Web – Before Criminals Act
One of the most overlooked areas of cyber defence is dark web monitoring — and it’s where businesses are often most vulnerable.
At Capcon, we offer Dark Web Monitoring powered by Techn22, a proactive service that scans criminal forums, data dumps, and hidden marketplaces for leaked company data, including:
- Compromised credentials
- Client and employee email addresses
- Password breaches and access tokens
- Sensitive business data being sold or shared
If your organisation’s details are found, you’ll receive an immediate alert and a clear action plan. This service offers early warning and intelligence, helping you act before an incident becomes a crisis.
In a regulatory landscape where 24-hour breach reporting is about to become law, detection speed matters more than ever.
Learn more about Capcon’s Dark Web Monitoring: capcon.co.uk/dark-web-monitoring
This Is More Than Compliance — It’s Business Resilience
The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill isn’t just about regulation, it’s about safeguarding long-term growth in a digital economy. Those who invest in cyber maturity today will be better positioned to protect their customers, win trust, and respond quickly when things go wrong.
Whether it’s stock control, employee screening, or cyber vigilance, Capcon helps businesses build resilience from the inside out.
To discuss how Capcon and Techn22 can support your business’s cyber security, contact us.
