In April, the UK government released its long-anticipated Cyber Security and Resilience policy statement, a significant moment following the announcement of the Bill in the King’s speech in 2024.
The policy statement is paving the way for the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, designed to modernise and strengthen the UK's cyber defences in response to intensifying threats from hostile states and criminal networks.
In this article, we cover some of the statement's main focuses and what this means for organisations, particularly MSPs.
Why now?
Attacks like the 2024 ransomware attack on the NHS, which disrupted critical healthcare operations, were yet another stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure. Data revealed in the 2024 Cyber Breaches Survey also highlighted the scale of the challenges the UK is facing, with 50% of businesses reporting some form of cyber attack in the past 12 months.
These are just some of the examples covered in the statement as to why there has been this significant shift to implementing the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. So, why is it a significant shift? And what does it mean for MSPs and their clients?
Essentially, one of the bigger points is the government's attention turning to MSPs, recognising that they’re essential players in the delivery of secure IT services across the public and private sectors.
Expanding regulatory scope: MSPs under the microscope
As one of the most notable developments in the policy statement, the Bill is formally expanding the scope to include managed services, defining managed services as a service that:
- Is provided to another organisation
- Relies on the use of networks and information systems to deliver the service
- Relates to ongoing management support, active administration and/or monitoring of IT systems, IT infrastructure, applications, and/or IT networks, including for activities relating to cyber security.
- Involves a network connection and/or access to the customer’s network and information systems.
The measure is estimated to secure 900 - 1,100 MSPs within the regulatory scope, which are MSPs that support critical sectors and services like healthcare, energy, and finance.
Regulators can also designate certain providers as ‘critical suppliers,’ subjecting them to enhanced compliance obligations. This may sound like it’s only going to affect large providers, but small and mid-size MSPs—particularly those supporting clients in regulated or essential service sectors—will also find themselves under the spotlight.
Meeting baseline cybersecurity standards
Under a new statutory resilience duty, public sector bodies like central government departments, NHS trusts, and local authorities must meet baseline cybersecurity standards. They will be responsible for proactively mitigating known vulnerabilities and demonstrating adherence through regular assessments.
Enhanced incident reporting and regulatory powers
New reporting processes will be introduced, which MSPs and the organisations they support will need to adopt.
- Firstly, an initial notification will be required within 24 hours of detecting a cyber incident
- Then, a comprehensive report will be expected within 72 hours
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) will also be given expanded authority to collect data, enforce compliance and share intelligence with other regulators.
Strengthening supply chains
The Bill is also set to target the growing attack landscape of supply chain vulnerabilities. The Government will aim to enforce uniform security standards across digital ecosystems, and new powers for regulators will be introduced to designate certain high-impact vendors as ‘Designated Critical Suppliers,’ bringing them under direct regulatory obligations such as specific incident reporting duties.
Although this will only apply to a few suppliers, MSPs that support critical sectors or deliver services that underpin essential or digital infrastructure could fall within scope.
Even if an MSP is not directly designated, its clients may be required to manage supply chain risks more actively. MSPs must demonstrate strong security controls, maintain transparency, and support clients with risk mitigation measures such as contractual safeguards, security assessments, and resilience planning.
Implications for MSPs and resellers
This Bill is a defining moment for MSPs. MSPs' role in safeguarding the UK’s cyber landscape is no longer an assumption but a formally acknowledged and regulated position. MSPs need to prepare for increased accountability.
Certifications like Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001 will become even more important, not just for MSPs themselves but also as a value-added service they can offer to clients needing to demonstrate compliance (something we’re already seeing in the industry).
So, what should MSPs be focusing on?
- Robust backup and recovery processes
- Clear and documented security postures
- Immutable data storage solutions
- Advanced monitoring and malware detection tools
Areas like this will become non-negotiables for MSPs, particularly those covering the public sector.
Do MSPs need to start preparing now?
With legislation likely to pass in 2026, now is the time to act. Taking the steps to prepare now will help mitigate risk and ensure you are well-positioned to guide clients through compliance and remain competitive.
Advice for immediate priorities …
- Review backup and recovery capabilities
- Ensure security policies are up to date
- Pursue industry-recognised certifications
- Maintain audit-ready documentation
- Strengthen incident detection and response
The clock is ticking now that the policy statement is public, and draft legislation is expected later this year. MSPs that delay reacting risk being left behind, both in terms of compliance and market competitiveness.
Supporting the channel through change
This is a new chapter in the UK’s cybersecurity and digital risk approach. For MSPs, it represents both a challenge and an opportunity.
Those who can adapt quickly and build services aligned with the new regulatory environment will become indispensable partners to their clients and vital partners in the UK’s national cyber strategy.
At Brigantia, we’re committed to supporting the channel and our partner community as the future of cyber resilience evolves. Visit our our vendor page to explore the leading solutions in our portfolio, or contact our team to discuss your cybersecurity strategy
