Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical issue, it’s a regulatory one.

With the introduction of the UK Cyber Security and Resilience Bill (CS&R Bill), the Government is placing new and sharper obligations on organisations to shore up their digital defences.

Whether you’re a headteacher in charge of safeguarding pupil data, or an SME director managing sensitive customer records, this legislation will impact how you handle cybersecurity going forward.

Here’s what you need to know, and how Link ICT can help you meet the new requirements with confidence.

 

What is the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill?

The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill was announced in the King’s Speech (July 2024) and expanded upon in April 2025 via a policy statement from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

It aims to modernise and expand the Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations 2018, originally focused on critical national infrastructure. This new Bill reflects the growing reality that schools, SMEs, and digital service providers are also critical targets, and should be legally required to act accordingly.

 

Why this Bill matters now

Cyberattacks in the UK have surged.

Recent high-profile incidents, including attacks on Marks & Spencer, schools in West Lothian and Blackpool, and dozens of NHS suppliers, have demonstrated the real-world consequences of cybersecurity, from stolen data to system outages and lost revenue.

The Government’s response is clear: organisations of all sizes, especially those providing digital services or managing sensitive data, must prove they’re taking cybersecurity seriously.

Key features of the CS&R Bill:

1. Wider scope

The Bill expands who is covered by law. It includes:

  • Managed service providers (MSPs)
  • Cloud hosting companies
  • Data centres
  • Public sector institutions, including schools
  • SMEs offering essential digital services (e.g. education, health, infrastructure, logistics)

Even if you’re not directly named, you may fall into scope if you support larger organisations who are.

2. Mandatory incident reporting

Organisations must report significant cyber incidents to regulators within a strict timeframe. This includes ransomware attacks, data breaches, and service outages related to cyber threats.

3. Compliance checks and enforcement

Regulators will gain stronger powers to:

  • Require data from your organisation to assess risk
  • Conduct audits
  • Enforce penalties for non-compliance

This includes small and mid-sized organisations. Expect formal scrutiny of your security posture in future.

4. Alignment with international standards

The Bill loosely aligns with the EU’s NIS2 Directive, meaning businesses working cross-border will face more consistent compliance frameworks.

 

What this means for UK schools and SMEs

For many schools and smaller businesses, this is a significant shift.

Previously, you may have had basic cybersecurity controls in place, antivirus software, backups, password policies. Under the new Bill, you’ll need to:

  • Formally assess risk (and show documentation)
  • Demonstrate resilience (including backup, MFA, and patching protocols)
  • Have an incident response plan
  • Train staff on cybersecurity best practices

The message is clear: cybersecurity is now a leadership responsibility, not just an IT issue.

 

How Link ICT can help your organisation prepare

At Link ICT, we understand that most schools and SMEs don’t have the in-house resources to monitor, interpret, and comply with evolving legislation, especially one as technical as this.

We’re here to make it easy.

Our services include:

  • Cybersecurity audits: We assess your current systems and identify gaps in compliance.
  • Policy and documentation support: We help you draft or update essential documents like risk registers, incident response plans, and acceptable use policies.
  • Security implementation: From firewalls to secure backups and MFA, we design solutions that meet regulatory expectations.
  • Ongoing training: We help your staff stay alert to phishing, scams, and safe digital practices.
  • Support with incident reporting: If something does go wrong, we’ll help you respond quickly and meet your legal obligations.

 

The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill marks a turning point in UK cybersecurity regulation.

It formalises what many already know: every organisation has a role to play in defending against cyber threats, and the cost of doing nothing is no longer just technical, it’s legal.

The good news? With the right support, staying compliant is entirely achievable, and can even improve how your organisation runs day-to-day.

 

Is your organisation ready for the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill?

Link ICT helps UK schools and SMEs cut through the complexity and get ahead of compliance, without the jargon, the panic, or the guesswork.

Contact us to speak with our team or book a readiness review today.