How Prepared Are You, Really? UK Government Urges Businesses to Strengthen Cyber Resilience

In case you missed it, the UK government and National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) have issued a clear message in the last few days: organisations must take immediate steps to strengthen their cyber resilience, including keeping paper or offline versions of critical cyber security and incident response plans in case digital systems are compromised. 

The news comes in the wake of the major cyber attack on Jaguar Land Rover which, after an estimated £1.9 billion in damages, is now the most economically devastating cyber incident in UK history, according to research released on Tuesday. 

According to the NCSC’s latest review, the UK saw a sharp rise in serious cyber incidents over the past year, with more than 400 significant cases investigated, nearly double the previous total. Attackers are becoming more sophisticated, using faster, more targeted methods against both private and public sector organisations. 

Why cyber resilience is crucial for your business 

Cyber resilience is now a board-level responsibility. The government is urging leaders to: 

1. Adopt the NCSC’s new Cyber Governance Code of Practice and ensure cyber risk is discussed at board level. 

1. Use the NCSC’s Early Warning service to detect potential threats quickly. 

1. Require suppliers to meet the Cyber Essentials standard as a minimum. 

The focus is shifting from prevention alone to preparedness and recovery, ensuring businesses can operate and bounce back when incidents do occur. 

How to stay resilient 

Unfortunately for many businesses, it isn’t a case of if, but when. Here’s what you can do to maximise your cyber resilience should the worst happen: 

• Test your crisis plan. Who does what when systems go down? 

• Don’t have a crisis plan? Get in touch with us today. 

• Map your critical suppliers and check their cyber health. Do they have their own security protocols in place? 

• Run scenario rehearsals, not just compliance checklists. 

How we can help you with your cyber resilience 

PKF Infuse helps protect your business from cyber criminals with advanced, proactive cyber security services. Our experts provide front-line defence, keeping your systems resilient and your data secure. 

Cyber crime is rising fast and unfortunately no organisation is immune. We help you stay one step ahead. Our team ensures that your IT systems are fully protected, so you can focus on running your business with confidence. 

The government’s message is clear: cyber resilience should be a core part of operational risk management. Businesses that embed it into their governance and supply chain practices will be far better positioned to withstand future threats than those who don’t.