In the ever-evolving digital landscape, cyber security has become a fundamental pillar for protecting not only individuals but also businesses, critical infrastructure, and the economy.

The UK government’s recent introduction of the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill signals a significant leap towards bolstering the country’s digital defences, ensuring that essential services are no longer an easy target for cyber criminals.

The proposed legislation is designed to hold firms accountable by enforcing robust cyber security requirements on a broader range of organisations. Under these new rules, thousands of service providers will be redefined as critical national infrastructure, requiring them to meet stringent cyber security standards.

Northern Ireland, with its thriving tech sector and increasing reliance on digital services, is well positioned to benefit from these enhanced protections. As part of a global digital economy, businesses here face the same threats as those elsewhere in the UK.

The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill addresses these vulnerabilities head-on, ensuring that local firms are better equipped to resist cyber attacks, whether they are targeted directly or emerge from weaknesses in the supply chain.

One of the bill’s primary aims is to toughen cyber supply chains by requiring third-party suppliers to ramp up their cyber security measures. This means enhancing risk assessments, fortifying data protection protocols, and strengthening network security defences.

For businesses in Northern Ireland that provide services to public sectors or large enterprises, these adjustments will become essential to maintaining their status as trusted suppliers. The focus on digital resilience will play a critical role in reducing the impact of supply-side attacks, which have become a growing concern.

Additionally, the Bill’s provisions to empower the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) with greater information-gathering capabilities will allow regulators to proactively address cyber risks.

For Northern Ireland businesses, this could mean improved guidance and more proactive measures to safeguard their operations.

The growing frequency and sophistication of cyber incidents underline the need for such legislative measures. Cyber threats cost the UK economy almost £22 billion annually, and high-profile attacks such as the 2024 Synnovis breach, which disrupted NHS services, highlight the potential cost of a single security lapse.

For Northern Ireland, this bill is not just a regulatory burden, it is a strategic opportunity. By investing in cybersecurity, local businesses will not only comply with these new standards but also position themselves as leaders in a secure digital economy.

A secure digital environment fosters innovation, attracts investment, and opens doors for new technologies to thrive. For companies looking to expand their offerings and engage with larger, more security-conscious clients, aligning with the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill’s requirements could be a critical competitive advantage.

Looking ahead, the most crucial next step is collaboration. The bill is a vital step in safeguarding the UK’s economic future – and its introduction is an invitation for businesses to join the journey towards a more secure, resilient, and innovative digital economy.

David Armstrong is chief executive of the b4b Group