Editorial

Navigating public sector cyber risk amidst new legislation

Jonathan Lee, public sector strategic consultant, Trend Micro, examines how to navigate public sector risk amid a raft of new legislation.

Posted 4 February 2025 by Christine Horton


The UK’s cybersecurity landscape is transforming significantly under the new Labour Government in Westminster. With the introduction of the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill and consultations on ransomware countermeasures, the Government is demonstrating its intent to tackle escalating cyber risks. However, as incidents like the NHS pathology disruptions in London reveal, cybersecurity demands a more comprehensive approach than regulation alone can provide.

The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill: A Step Forward

The proposed Cyber Security and Resilience Bill represents a critical milestone in addressing the rising tide of cyberattacks. With threats becoming more frequent and impactful, this legislation aims to expand the scope of regulations to encompass more digital services and supply chains, empower regulators to enforce robust cybersecurity measures, and mandate incident reporting to improve transparency and response effectiveness. These measures align with expert recommendations, emphasising risk reduction and enhanced security for critical infrastructure. However, while the bill sets a strong foundation, it is only one part of the solution. Effective enforcement, resilient infrastructures, and widespread adoption of robust cybersecurity practices are equally crucial.

Tackling Ransomware Threats

The Home Office’s recent consultation on ransomware legislation underscores the urgency of protecting the public sector. Its proposals include a targeted ban on ransomware payments for all public sector bodies, extending the existing prohibition for Government departments to critical infrastructure like energy and transport. These initiatives aim to mitigate the ransomware epidemic by disrupting criminal networks’ financial pipelines. Security Minister Dan Jarvis aptly summarised the stakes: “With an estimated $1 billion flowing to ransomware criminals globally in 2023, it is vital we act to protect national security.”

While legislative efforts signal progress, they cannot eliminate cyber threats outright. Chronic underinvestment has left the public sector with substantial technical debt, expanding its attack surface. This issue is exacerbated by the rapid adoption of AI technologies, which, while transformative, introduce new vulnerabilities. The inability to quantify cyber risks is a direct result of insufficient security spending, leaving critical national infrastructure vulnerable to attack. To address this, future budgets must prioritise cybersecurity alongside technological innovation to reduce exposure and strengthen defences.

The Synnovis attack highlighted the risks posed by vulnerable supply chains. Standardising how public sector organisations approach cybersecurity procurement could increase the effectiveness of incoming legislation. A centralised vetting system for suppliers to the UK public sector could streamline procurement processes and enhance security by preventing repetitive questioning and ensuring consistent standards.

Strengthening Security Strategies

The public sector must adopt a forward-looking approach to combat cyber threats effectively. Constantly monitoring risks and threat vectors, automating mitigations wherever possible, and clearly articulating cyber risks to decision-makers are key steps toward resilience. Comprehensive training for staff and the public is also crucial to fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and preparedness.

Renewed awareness campaigns targeting public sector employees and citizens alike are essential to maintaining public trust and safeguarding sensitive data. By educating individuals on best practices and potential risks, organisations can create a more informed and vigilant population. Additionally, collaboration across sectors will play a vital role in building a secure digital future. This includes establishing clear standards, sharing threat intelligence, and fostering partnerships to address shared risks.

The Government’s “defending as one” and “secure by design” principles highlight the need for an integrated approach. Organisations must ensure that their cybersecurity maturity matches their digital ambitions. This includes hardening networks, closing threat vectors, and leveraging automation to improve response capabilities. As AI reshapes public services, its security implications must be addressed. AI-driven transformation can enable rapid progress, but it also demands robust safeguards to prevent exploitation by cybercriminals. Balancing innovation with security will be critical to unlocking AI’s full potential while minimising risks.

Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue but a societal one. Collaboration across sectors and effective public engagement are essential to maintaining resilience. By addressing systemic challenges, embracing change, and fostering a culture of awareness and innovation, the UK can build a robust and secure digital ecosystem for the future.

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