The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill: Why Your Business Needs a Trusted MSP & Comprehensive Cyber Insurance
As cyber threats continue to escalate across the UK, the government has introduced groundbreaking legislation to strengthen the nation's digital defences. The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, introduced to Parliament on 12th November 2025, marks a pivotal moment for businesses of all sizes, particularly those who rely on managed service providers (MSPs) for their IT infrastructure.
At Pinnaca, we understand that navigating this evolving landscape can feel overwhelming. That's why we're here to reassure you: our services already align with the UK's most stringent cyber security standards, and we're committed to helping you stay protected, compliant, and resilient.
Understanding the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill: A New Era of Digital Protection
The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill represents the most significant overhaul of the UK's cyber security framework in years. Designed to protect essential services, including healthcare, transport, energy, and water, the Bill aims to close the widening gap between cyber threats and our ability to defend against them.
The Rising Tide of Cyber Crime
The statistics paint a stark picture. According to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC):
"The NCSC dealt with 204 'nationally significant' cyber attacks against the UK in the 12 months to August 2025 - a sharp rise from 89 in the previous year."
This represents a staggering 130% increase in nationally significant incidents, with the UK now experiencing four nationally significant cyber attacks every week. The message is clear: cybercrime is not just rising, it's accelerating at an unprecedented pace.
Dr Richard Horne, CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre, reinforced this urgency:
“But for too long, has been regarded as an issue predominantly for technical staff. This must change. All business leaders need to take responsibility for their organisation’s cyber resilience.”
What's Happening Now With the Bill?
Following its introduction to Parliament on 12th November 2025, the Bill is now progressing through the Parliamentary stages of reading and debate. Once enacted, it will modernise enforcement, expand regulatory scope, and introduce tougher penalties for organisations that fail to meet minimum security requirements.
Why The Bill Matters For Your Business
The Bill introduces several critical changes:
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) will be regulated for the first time, requiring them to meet clear security duties, report significant incidents promptly, and maintain robust incident response plans.
Critical suppliers to essential services (such as those providing healthcare diagnostics to the NHS) will need to meet minimum security requirements.
Regulators will gain new powers to designate critical suppliers and enforce tougher, turnover-based penalties for serious breaches.
The Technology Secretary will have new powers to instruct organisations to take specific steps to prevent cyber attacks where there's a threat to UK national security.
Making The Right Choice For Your Business Security
In line with the proposed Bill, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued comprehensive guidance on "Choosing A Managed Service Provider (MSP)". This guidance recognises that many small to medium-sized enterprises rely on MSPs to deliver IT products and services, manage important data, and provide .
The NCSC emphasises that since MSPs have access to your systems and data (including your customers' details), it's crucial to ensure they take cyber security seriously and that you understand the measures they have in place.
Your Trusted Partner in an Unregulated Industry
Here's the reassuring news: Pinnaca already adheres to the "Services MSPs should cover" and "Details to check in your MSP contract" listed in the NCSC guidance. We don't just meet these standards, we've built our entire service model around them.
Part of the Assurix Founding 50
We're proud to announce that Pinnaca is a part of the Assurix Founding 50. A distinguished group of MSPs leading the way in provable, evidence-based . While our industry remains largely unregulated, we've voluntarily aligned ourselves with the highest standards to protect our clients.
Our services are already aligned with the UK's most recent Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF 4.0), which advises evidence-based resilience and continuous assurance over point-in-time audits, principles that are mirrored in the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill.
CAF 4.0 represents a shift from reactive compliance to proactive cyber resilience, and we've embedded these principles into everything we do.
Our IT support packages are designed to provide complete peace of mind. We don't just react to problems; we prevent them from happening in the first place. Here's how our services align with the NCSC's requirements.
Security Issues To Discuss With Your MSP
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Keeping Your Software Secure And Up-To-Date
We keep your software up to date and apply security patches swiftly. Our policy is to patch systems within 14 days of an update being released (where the patch fixes a critical or high-risk vulnerability), protecting you from viruses, malware, and emerging threats. -
Your Safety Net Against Ransomware and Data Loss
Regular, tested backups are the most effective way to recover from a ransomware attack. We ensure your data is backed up regularly, stored securely, and crucially, that recovery processes are tested and verified. -
Protecting Your Data with Robust Authentication
We implement 2-step verification (2SV) to limit access to your data and services. Users have access only to what they need to do their job, and access is removed when it is no longer required. Administrative accounts are strictly controlled and protected with additional security layers. -
Visibility When You Need It Most
Logging plays a vital role in diagnosing problems and investigating security incidents. We keep comprehensive logs for security purposes, retain them in accordance with your business requirements, and ensure they're accessible as needed for incident investigation. -
Clear Steps When Things Go Wrong
We have documented incident response procedures that clearly outline how we'll respond to incidents and engage with you. This includes what happens if we're impacted by an incident ourselves, ensuring transparency and continuity of service.
Details To Check In Your MSP Contract
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Clear Expectations and Guaranteed Response Times
Our SLAs establish clear expectations for response times and resolution times. For urgent issues, we respond within 1 hour. For Priority 1 incidents, our 24/7 support delivers a target response time of just 15 minutes, ensuring your business stays operational. -
Getting You Back To Business Quickly
We don't just respond quickly; we resolve issues efficiently. Our experienced engineers work to resolution times appropriate to the complexity and priority of each issue, typically resolving routine medium-priority issues within 2-3 business days. -
Confidence Through Transparency
We provide regular reviews and reports to reassure you that your systems are safe, healthy, and operating correctly. This includes monthly service reviews with your dedicated account manager. -
Confidence Through Transparency
We provide regular reviews and reports to reassure you that your systems are safe, healthy, and operating correctly. This includes monthly service reviews with your dedicated account manager. -
Proactive Security Verification
Our scheduled audits verify that systems are configured correctly and help identify potential issues before they become problems, such as unapplied security patches, users with unnecessary administrative rights, or weak password policy implementation. -
Complete Visibility of Your IT Environment
We provide detailed infrastructure health reports that include monitoring and uptime statistics, patch and update compliance, backup success/failure rates, security alerts summaries, and highlights of any hardware or software issues. -
Keeping You Informed Every Step Of The Way
Your contract details the timeframes in which you'll be notified of any security breaches or incidents. Our incident management process is clearly documented, with notification times appropriate to each incident's severity. -
Secure Connections, Every Time
We manage access to your systems using secure methods such as VPNs, encrypted tunnels, and restricted IP ranges. We apply the principle of least privilege (granting only the permissions needed) and enforce 2SV for all remote access, making accounts harder to compromise. -
Flexibility That Adapts To Your Business Journey
We believe in earning your business every single day, not locking you into rigid, inflexible agreements. Our contracts clearly set the length of your agreement and outline exactly what happens if you want to end or change it, including how renewals, renegotiations, or terminations work. We ensure that contract durations align with your business objectives and provide the flexibility you need if your organisation changes direction. Your contract also includes clear provisions for what happens to your data, systems access, and any ongoing projects, ensuring business continuity is never compromised. -
Planning For The Future, Today
We track end-of-life (EOL) dates for your systems and advise on suitable replacements or upgrades well before support ends. This prevents the security vulnerabilities that arise when outdated systems remain in use after manufacturers stop providing updates.
Are You A Pinnaca Client With Questions About Your Package?
If you're an existing Pinnaca client and have any questions about what's included in your IT support package or how our services align with the new Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, please contact your dedicated account manager. They're here to provide clarity, reassurance, and expert guidance tailored to your specific business needs. Contact your account manager today >
Experience Award-Winning IT Support That's Already Ahead Of Regulation
If you're looking for an MSP that not only meets but exceeds compliance standards, we'd love to talk. Our IT support packages are designed to give you complete peace of mind, with proactive monitoring, rapid response times, and the kind of personal service that makes us feel like part of your team.
Why businesses choose Pinnaca:
Award-winning IT support since 2016
Part of the Assurix Founding 50
Aligned with CAF 4.0 and the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill
Cyber Essentials Plus certified
24/7 emergency support with 15-minute response times for Priority 1 incidents
Trusted by world-renowned brands including Scoffs (Costa Coffee), Miniso, and Stella McCartney
Join the Pinnaca Family Today!
Beyond Cyber Security: The Critical Importance of Cyber Insurance
Your Financial Safety Net When Prevention Isn't Enough
Even with the best protocols in place, no organisation is 100% immune to cyber attacks. That's why insurance is the next most important step to ensure resilience in the event of a cyber attack.
The Dual Benefit: Protection and Savings
Here's something many businesses don't realise: by adopting robust cyber security measures and trusted IT support, they can not only enhance overall protection against cyber threats but also reduce their cyber security insurance premiums.
Insurers recognise and reward organisations that take their cyber security seriously. When you can demonstrate:
Regular patching and updates
Comprehensive backup and recovery procedures
Strong access controls and monitoring
Incident response planning
Partnership with a certified, reputable MSP
You're seen as a lower risk, which translates directly into lower insurance costs.
Is Cyber Insurance a Legal Requirement?
Currently, cyber security insurance is not a legal requirement in the UK. However, given the rising frequency and severity of cyber attacks and the potentially catastrophic financial impact they can have, going without adequate coverage is a risk that few businesses can afford to take.
When Cyber Crime Hits Your Bottom Line
Understanding the financial impact of cyber attacks helps put the value of insurance into perspective. According to new independent research published alongside the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill:
£190k
The average cost of a significant cyber attack in the UK is now over £190,000.
£14.7bn
This amounts to around £14.7 billion a year across the economy, equivalent to 0.5% of the UK's GDP.
£30bn
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) estimates that a cyber attack on critical national infrastructure could temporarily increase borrowing by over £30 billion, equivalent to 1.1% of GDP.
Recent real-world examples:
The 2024 Synnovis cyber attack on the NHS resulted in over 11,000 disrupted medical appointments and procedures, with estimated costs of £32.7 million.
Hackers accessed the Ministry of Defence's payroll system via a managed service provider in 2024.
Multiple retail cyber attacks in 2025 caused widespread disruption and reputational damage.
What Cyber Insurance Covers
Cyber insurance protects you against losses relating to damage to, or loss of information from, IT systems and networks. Cover includes significant assistance with and management of the incident itself, which is essential when faced with reputational damage or regulatory enforcement.
First-Party Insurance: Protecting Your Own Business
First-party cyber insurance covers direct losses and costs to your organisation, including:
Loss or damage to digital assets such as data or software programmes.
Business interruption caused by network downtime that impacts your ability to trade.
Cyber extortion, where third parties threaten to damage or release data if money is not paid.
Customer notification expenses when there's a legal or regulatory requirement to notify customers of a security or privacy breach.
Reputational damage arising from a breach of data that results in loss of intellectual property or customers.
Theft of money or digital assets through theft of equipment or electronic theft.
Third-Party Insurance: Protecting Against Claims from Others
Third-party cyber insurance covers your legal liability to others, including:
Security and privacy breaches, investigations, defence costs, and civil damages associated with them.
Multi-media liability, to cover investigation, defence costs and civil damages arising from defamation, breach of privacy or negligence in publication.
Loss of third-party data, including payment of compensation to customers for denial of access, and failure of software or systems.
Why Forward-Thinking Businesses Invest In Cyber Security Insurance
Financial Protection That Goes Beyond IT Costs
Cyber insurance doesn't just cover your IT recovery; it protects your entire business from the financial fallout of an attack, including legal fees, regulatory fines, customer notification costs, and business interruption losses.
Access to Expert Incident Response Teams
Quality cyber insurance policies provide immediate access to specialist incident response teams, forensic investigators, legal experts, and PR professionals who can manage the crisis and minimise damage.
Reduced Insurance Premiums Through Proven Security
By demonstrating robust cyber security measures (like those provided by Pinnaca), businesses can significantly reduce their insurance premiums, making comprehensive coverage surprisingly affordable.
Board-Level Confidence and Customer Trust
Having cyber insurance reassures your board, investors, and customers that you've taken comprehensive steps to manage cyber risk. It demonstrates professionalism and preparedness that strengthen business relationships.
Partner with Exchequer Risk Management for Expert Cyber Insurance
Tailored Cyber Insurance From Specialists Who Understand Your Needs
We're delighted to recommend our trusted partner, Exchequer Risk Management, for all your cyber insurance needs. Exchequer Risk Management specialises in cyber claims and related investigations, with expertise in:
Loss or damage to digital assets
Cyber extortion and crime
Theft of money
Loss of third-party data
Business interruption
Reputational damage
Security and privacy breaches
From the moment an emergency call is made, their team coordinates the necessary response in conjunction with third-party experts, ensuring you have professional support when you need it most.
Take Action Today: Get a Cyber Insurance Quote
Don't wait until it's too late. Cyber attacks happen every day, and the question isn't if you'll be targeted, it's when! Contact Exchequer Risk Management today for a comprehensive cyber insurance quote. When you reach out, please quote our introducer reference: PINNACA1
Frequently Asked Questions
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When will the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill become law?
The Bill was introduced to Parliament on 12th November 2025 and is currently progressing through Parliamentary readings and debate. The timeline for royal assent will depend on the legislative process, but businesses should prepare now for the changes ahead.Will the Bill affect my business?
If you're a medium or large business providing IT management, IT help desk support, or cyber security services, or if you operate in essential service sectors like healthcare, transport, energy, or water, you'll likely be affected. Even if you're not directly in scope, the Bill emphasises the importance of working with certified, compliant MSPs.What are the penalties for non-compliance?
The Bill introduces modernised enforcement, including tougher turnover-based penalties for serious breaches. The specific penalty amounts will be detailed in the regulations, but the principle is clear: cutting corners will cost more than doing the right thing.How can I ensure my MSP is compliant?
Look for MSPs with recognised certifications (like Cyber Essentials Plus), transparent contracting, clear incident response procedures, and alignment with CAF 4.0. Ask for evidence of their security practices and client references. -
Is Pinnaca already compliant with the proposed Bill requirements?
Yes. Our services already align with the NCSC guidance for MSPs and the UK's Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF 4.0), which underpin the Bill's requirements. As part of the Assurix Founding 50, we're leading the way in provable, evidence-based .What certifications does Pinnaca hold?
We are Cyber Essentials Plus certified and hold vendor certifications from partners such as Microsoft, Barracuda and many others. We're also part of the Assurix Founding 50, demonstrating our commitment to the highest standards of MSP security.Do I need to change my current IT support contract with Pinnaca?
If you're already a Pinnaca client, your existing package covers the key requirements. However, if you are worried, we recommend contacting your account manager for a review to ensure your specific business needs are fully met and to discuss any enhancements that might benefit your organisation.How quickly can Pinnaca respond to a incident?
For Priority 1 incidents, our 24/7 support delivers a target response time of just 15 minutes. We have documented incident response procedures and will work with you to minimise downtime and protect your business.What's included in Pinnaca's monthly service reviews?
Our monthly service reviews with your dedicated account manager cover system health, security posture, patch compliance, backup success rates, any incidents or issues, upcoming projects or changes, and recommendations for improvements or upgrades. -
Is cyber insurance legally required in the UK?
No, cyber insurance is currently not a legal requirement in the UK. However, given the rising frequency and cost of cyber attacks (averaging £190,000 per significant incident), and the potential for business-ending financial impact, most businesses consider it essential protection.How much does cyber insurance cost?
The cost varies based on your business size, sector, revenue, data sensitivity, and crucially, your cyber security configuration. Businesses with robust security measures (such as those provided by a certified MSP) benefit from significantly lower premiums. Contact Exchequer Risk Management (quote reference: PINNACA1) for a tailored quote.What's the difference between first-party and third-party cyber insurance?
First-party coverage protects your own business against direct losses (data loss, business interruption, extortion, reputational damage). Third-party coverage protects you against claims from others (customer lawsuits, privacy breaches, regulatory penalties). Comprehensive policies include both.Will having Pinnaca as my MSP reduce my cyber insurance premiums?
Yes, typically. Insurers assess your cyber risk based on your security measures. Having a Cyber Essentials Plus Certified MSP that provides comprehensive monitoring, patching, backup, access control, and incident response significantly reduces your risk profile, resulting in lower premiums.What happens if I have a cyber attack but no insurance?
Without insurance, you'll bear the full cost of incident response, forensic investigation, system recovery, legal fees, regulatory fines, customer notification, business interruption losses, and any compensation claims. For the average business, this can easily exceed £190,000 and potentially run into millions.Can I get cyber insurance if I've already had a cyber attack?
It's more difficult and expensive to obtain coverage after an incident, and previous attacks will impact your premiums. However, demonstrating that you've taken significant steps to improve your security posture (such as engaging a certified MSP like Pinnaca) can help secure coverage.How quickly does cyber insurance pay out after an incident?
This depends on the policy and the incident complexity. Quality insurers, such as those recommended by Exchequer Risk Management, provide immediate access to incident response teams and often cover forensic and recovery costs directly. Compensation for business interruption and other losses follows the claims assessment process.Does cyber insurance cover ransomware payments?
Many policies include coverage for extortion payments (ransomware demands), though this varies by insurer and policy. However, having robust backup and recovery procedures (like those provided by Pinnaca) often makes paying ransoms unnecessary, as you can restore systems from clean backups. -
From the NCSC:
Cyber Essentials Scheme - The government-backed baseline for cyber security
Choosing a Managed Service Provider (MSP) - Official guidance on MSP selection
Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) 4.0 - The framework for critical organisations
Active Cyber Defence Services - Free protective security services
From the Government:
Protect Your Business on All Fronts
Cybercrime is rising, regulation is tightening, and the cost of inaction has never been higher. The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill makes it clear: robust cyber security is no longer optional; it's essential for business survival and growth.
At Pinnaca, we're proud to already meet and exceed the standards the Bill will require. We're part of the Assurix Founding 50, aligned with CAF 4.0, and certified to give you confidence that your business is in safe hands.
But is only half the equation. Comprehensive cyber insurance provides the financial safety net every business needs in today's threat landscape.
Here's what to do next:
Existing Pinnaca clients: Contact your account manager to review your package and ensure you're fully protected
New clients: Explore our IT support packages and discover why world-leading brands trust us with their technology
Everyone: Get a cyber insurance quote from Exchequer Risk Management (quote reference: PINNACA1) to complete your cyber resilience strategy
Your business deserves proven protection and genuine peace of mind
Don't leave your business vulnerable. Partner with Pinnaca for comprehensive cyber security and Exchequer Risk Management for tailored cyber insurance—and face the future with confidence.