We’re under attack! Okay, that sounds a bit dramatic, but it’s true.
The rise in cyber crime aimed at MSPs is triggering governments to legislate in defense of their countries’ internet infrastructure. The latest law is coming from the home of cricket and warm beer, but its impact will be felt much further.
If you’re an MSP operating in—or with links to—the United Kingdom and you’re serving any business that keeps the lights on, moves data, or keeps people alive, then you need to get ahead of the UK Cyber Security and Resilience Bill (CS&R), which is about to come into force. And UK-based data centers are subject to these new rules too.
Here’s what you need to know…
What Is the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill?
The UK’s Cyber Security and Resilience Bill (CSRB) is part of a national strategy to harden digital infrastructure against malicious forces. This is how the British government positions it:
“The evolving threat landscape and high-profile cyber attacks targeting essential services, as well as the growing dependency on cloud-based and other digital services, necessitate the inclusion of more entities within the regulatory framework.”
And that includes MSPs and third-party IT providers.
While still in development, the bill is expected to land later in 2025.
If you’re delivering digital or managed services to essential or important UK entities such as hospitals, schools, or government offices, you may be classified as an “associated service provider.” That means you will have to handle new obligations and additional costs—but it also creates an opportunity for MSPs to differentiate themselves and win new business.
Who Will Be Affected?
The bill builds on the NIS Regulations (2018) and aligns with the EU’s NIS2 Directive, but it goes further.
In-scope sectors include:
- Healthcare
- Energy and utilities
- Financial services
- Transportation and logistics
- Cloud services and data infrastructure
- Digital communications and broadcasting
If you’re the MSP behind any of these, congratulations—you’re essential. Now the government wants to know how well you’re protecting your infrastructure, your supply chain, and your clients.
What Are the Key Requirements?
While the exact legislative text is still being finalized, the overall direction is clear. Expect requirements like:
- Incident Reporting: Likely within 72 hours of detection
- Security-by-Design Practices: Demonstrated during onboarding and procurement
- Risk Assessments and Controls: Regular and evidence-based
- Supply Chain Accountability: You’ll need to vet your vendors too
- Enforcement Powers: The UK government is looking to equip regulators with stronger auditing and penalty tools
The bottom line is that “We didn’t know” won’t be a defense anymore.
What Should MSPs Do Now?
Here’s how smart MSPs are getting ready—before the new law lands:
1. Map your exposure
Which of your clients fall under “essential” or “important” sectors? What data and services do you handle for them?
2. Align with NIS2/NIST/CIS
Use existing frameworks like NIST CSF, ISO 27001, or CIS Controls as your baseline. These are likely to match or exceed the Bill’s final requirements.
3. Upgrade your incident response plan
You’ll need audit trails, clear escalation paths, and automated reporting triggers. This isn’t just about speed—it’s about traceability.
4. Audit your own supply chain
If you’re buying tools from a shady vendor, you’re the one who gets burned. Start asking tough questions early.
5. Train your clients
You’re not just a service provider—you’re a strategic advisor. Help them understand what “good” looks like in a regulated world.
What about data centers?
UK-based data centers will need to follow the new rules “irrespective of the nature of service(s) offered from them and their ownership”.
As for size, UK government guidance says: “data centres would be in scope at or above 1MW capacity unless it is an enterprise data centre which will only be in scope if they are at or above 10MW capacity”.
Why This Is a Growth Opportunity
If you’re providing MSP services in the UK, then your life is about to get even more complicated, but let’s turn that frown upside down: regulation isn’t your enemy—it’s your differentiator.
When every provider starts looking the same, the MSP who can say:
“We’re already aligned with the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. Here’s how we’ll protect you.”
…is the one who wins. So make sure it’s you!
Get Ahead or Get Left Behind
The UK Cyber Security and Resilience Bill will reshape the MSP landscape. Compliance will be mandatory. Competence will be visible. And complacency? Punishable.
Now’s the time to:
- Know the full scope (start by reading this)
- Upgrade your security posture
- Train your team and your clients
- Turn compliance into confidence
Security is a key topic of MSP GLOBAL, so sign up now and join us in sunny Barcelona to discover the latest developments and find out how MSPs are putting this and other legislation into practice.
