Cyber resilience is now a board responsibility: what the government’s latest letter means for UK organisations

The UK Government has issued a direct message to business leaders across the country: cyber security is no longer just an IT issue, it’s a board-level responsibility.

In a letter sent to the CEOs and Chairs of the FTSE 350, ministers warned that hostile cyber activity in the UK is becoming more frequent, sophisticated, and damaging, posing a real threat to our national and economic security. Their call to action is clear, every organisation must take immediate steps to strengthen its cyber resilience.

Why this matters

Recent high-profile cyber incidents have shown how attacks can disrupt operations, damage profitability, and erode trust. The government’s message highlights that businesses recover faster when they have prepared, rehearsed, and built resilience into their strategy.

For many organisations, this marks a shift in mindset: cyber risk is no longer the sole responsibility of IT teams, it’s a strategic business priority that must be led from the top.

The government’s three key actions

1. Make cyber risk a Board-level priority

Boards are being urged to adopt the new Cyber Governance Code of Practice, developed in partnership with industry experts.

It sets out how directors should govern and oversee cyber risk, ensuring decisions about investment, continuity, and reputation include a clear view of cyber resilience.

2. Sign up to the NCSC’s Early Warning service

The National Cyber Security Centre’s free Early Warning system alerts organisations to potential attacks targeting their networks.

These alerts can provide crucial time to respond before an incident escalates but they’re most effective when integrated into a wider monitoring and response strategy.

3. Require Cyber Essentials across your supply chain

Supply chain attacks are rising fast, yet few businesses regularly assess their suppliers’ cyber posture.

The government recommends Cyber Essentials certification as the minimum protection standard and now expects large organisations to embed it throughout their own supplier network.

How Nviron can help

We work with leadership teams to translate policy into practice, aligning governance, compliance, and technology to strengthen resilience across every layer of the business.

From board-level workshops and risk reviews to managed detection, response, and Cyber Essentials certification support, our experts help you meet the standards the government now expects, simply and effectively.

A shared responsibility

The government’s letter signals a new era of collaboration between industry and state to protect the UK’s digital economy.

By acting now, organisations can not only reduce risk but also build confidence with customers, partners, and investors.

Simplifying IT, empowering business.