The UK government has set out proposals for the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, which is due to be brought before parliament later this year.
Under the bill, firms providing essential IT services to public services and the wider economy will be required by law to meet robust cyber-security standards.
These firms will also be required to provide a greater range of risk assessments to help identify potential threats.
If successful, cyber attacks can have devastating effects on government organisations and public services, and the citizens who rely on them.
According to the government, cyber threats cost the UK economy almost £22bn a year between 2015 and 2019.
This was seen in June 2024 when a cyber attack on a supplier of pathology services to the NHS in south-east London led to two NHS foundation trusts postponing 10,152 acute outpatient appointments and 1,710 elective procedures. The government revealed this attack cost an estimated £32.7m.
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