Decoding the UK’s 2025 Cyber Agenda

06.08.2025 | News and Insights

Cyber policy in the UK is shifting; not just in how cyber risk is managed, but in how cybersecurity is viewed as a driver of national resilience and growth.

The Government’s announcement of a forthcoming National Cyber Strategy, alongside the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, new ransomware rules, and investment in cyber skills, signals a more coordinated approach to governance, innovation and global competitiveness.

This is more than a technical reform. It’s a recognition that cyber is no longer just an IT issue. It’s a strategic, economic, and leadership imperative.

In our latest briefing, Senior Account Manager Beatriz Serra outlines the essential takeaways and what they might mean for you.

Key Takeaways

Strengthening Public Sector Defences

In a machinery of government change, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that responsibility for public sector cybersecurity has moved from the Cabinet Office to the Government Digital Service (GDS).

This move aims to better integrate cybersecurity expertise into the government’s central digital and technology functions, strengthening resilience across all public services.

Cyber as a ‘Frontier Sector’

The Modern Industrial Strategy identifies cybersecurity as a “frontier technology” critical for the UK’s economy and tech sovereignty.

  • Economic Engine: it recognises the £13.2B cyber security sector with £7.2B in exports as a major contributor, fuelling innovation in AI and quantum computing.
  • Skills Investments: Initiatives include the £187M TechFirst programme, design to train 1 million students, complemented by support for over 4,000 high-tech graduates.
  • Regional Growth: the development of regional cyber clusters, highlighting existing hubs of innovation in areas like Belfast, the South West, and Greater Manchester.

A new Cyber Growth Action Plan

To “turbocharge” the UK’s £13.2B cyber sector, the government has announced a new Cyber Growth Action Plan.

  • Led by independent experts from the University of Bristol and Imperial College London, the plan will conduct a rapid analysis of the sector to provide a roadmap for future growth.
  • Its recommendations are expected in the summer and will directly inform the upcoming National Cyber Strategy.

Tackling the Ransomware Threat

The Home Office published its response to the public consultation on combating ransomware.

It will move forward with plans to ban ransomware payments by public sector bodies and critical infrastructure operators.

Under the new rules, private sector organisations will still be allowed to pay ransoms but must notify the government if they intend to do so.

National Security Strategy

Cyber resilience is a central thread running through the new National Security Strategy.

The strategy recognises that threats from state actors are increasing in both the physical and cyber realms, with critical national infrastructure—including undersea cables and energy pipelines—being key targets.

The new National Security Strategy sets the stage for a more specific cyber strategy expected to be announced later this year.

The primary legislative tool for this agenda will be the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill.

Cyber Security and Resilience Bill

The cornerstone of the government’s strategy is the new Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, to be tabled later this year.

This landmark legislation is set to replace the existing Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations from 2018, representing the most significant overhaul of the UK’s cyber laws in years.

The government has stated that the bill is a direct response to the UK being “desperately exposed” to cyber threats. This urgency is highlighted by recent high-profile incidents, such as the attack on NHS supplier Synnovis.

What does this mean for Public Bodies and Businesses?

The UK government has placed cyber resilience at the heart of its economic strategy, driving demand across the public and private sectors for robust, future-ready solutions.

  • From IT to the Boardroom: Cyber risk is now a strategic issue. Boards must embed it into governance and compliance—fuelling demand for expert advisory and technical services.
  • Further Regulations are Coming: The Cyber Security & Resilience Bill will raise legal and regulatory requirements, especially for tech suppliers. Businesses need trusted partners to stay ahead.
  • A Market on the Move: For cybersecurity firms, this is a moment of opportunity. Demand is rising fast across enterprise and public sector clients—creating strong growth potential.

To discuss how this could impact your organisation, contact hello@tendoconsulting.co.uk.

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