Europe and the UK Brace for a Cybersecurity Law Shake-Up: What You Need to Know

As the digital world evolves at breakneck speed, cybersecurity regulations are being pushed to the forefront of legislative agendas across Europe and the UK. With a growing patchwork of overlapping laws and shifting requirements, organizations must prepare for a more tightly regulated digital environment. While the European Union has already laid down the groundwork with a suite of tech regulations, the UK is preparing to roll out its own cybersecurity-focused legislation. The coming months are expected to be transformative for both regions, bringing complex compliance challenges for businesses—especially those operating cross-border.

European and UK Organizations Face a Cybersecurity Law Overhaul

The cybersecurity landscape in Europe is entering a new chapter. The European Union has already put in place a clear roadmap with several important legislative acts such as NIS2 (an updated version of the Network and Information Systems Directive), the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), and the newly approved AI Act. These laws aim to tighten cybersecurity standards and digital risk management across the EU.

In contrast, the UK is on the brink of introducing two major tech laws: the AI Bill and the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. While detailed drafts have yet to be published, early signals suggest these laws will address some of the same areas as the EU’s NIS2, but with UK-specific adjustments.

Katharina Sommer, Group Head of Government Affairs & Analyst Relations at NCC Group, contributed to the 2025 Global Cyber Policy Radar and will speak at the Infosecurity Europe 2025 event. She emphasizes the importance of early preparation for UK businesses. Although the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill is not finalized, organizations should begin updating their cybersecurity frameworks in anticipation.

The Bill is expected to broaden the scope of regulated entities beyond those currently covered under NIS1, including managed service providers (MSPs), critical suppliers, and possibly large-scale data centers. It could apply to roughly 1,000 UK-based organizations. New requirements are likely to address technical controls, incident reporting mechanisms, and possibly mirror the UK’s Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF).

Additionally, the legislation may empower the UK Secretary of State with greater intervention authority over cybersecurity measures, indicating a more hands-on approach from the government. Sommer also highlights that improved information sharing and threat visibility are key goals for the UK.

One major area of concern is the potential for regulatory conflict between the EU’s NIS2 and the UK’s new Bill. Organizations operating in both jurisdictions may face differing compliance requirements. Differences in sector inclusion, security controls, and incident response timelines could complicate cross-border operations. These issues will be key discussion points at Infosecurity Europe 2025, scheduled for June 3–5 in London.

What Undercode Say:

The upcoming wave of cybersecurity laws is not just a bureaucratic formality—it’s a major pivot point in how digital operations will be governed across Europe. With the EU already setting a firm regulatory foundation and the UK planning its own approach, this dual-track legal landscape is creating both pressure and opportunity for businesses.

For the EU, the direction is relatively streamlined. NIS2, DORA, CRA, and the AI Act together form a robust regulatory matrix designed to secure digital infrastructures, improve resilience in critical sectors, and govern artificial intelligence responsibly. The intention is clear: prevent systemic digital risks before they escalate into real-world consequences.

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This divergence may place multinational organizations in a tight spot. Those operating on both sides of the Channel will need to navigate dual sets of standards, possibly customizing cybersecurity programs to meet both NIS2 and UK law simultaneously. These organizations have already started lobbying for harmonization to avoid compliance fatigue and operational friction.

The inclusion of MSPs and large data centers in the UK’s upcoming bill indicates a shift toward recognizing the importance of third-party risk. As more companies outsource core IT services, these providers become critical links in the cybersecurity chain. By regulating them directly, the UK aims to plug systemic vulnerabilities that could cascade across entire sectors.

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Perhaps the most unpredictable element is the role of the Secretary of State. If empowered to intervene in cybersecurity strategies, the government may become a more active participant in risk management—not just a regulator. This could be a game changer for national cyber resilience but may also raise concerns about governmental overreach or inconsistent enforcement.

Information sharing is also on the radar. A more collaborative ecosystem—where threats and vulnerabilities are transparently shared—could dramatically enhance the UK’s cyber posture. But for this to work, trust between the government and private sector must be strengthened.

Overall, businesses should not wait for the ink to dry on these laws. Early adaptation, scenario planning, and cross-jurisdictional audits are necessary now to prevent last-minute compliance scrambles. As Sommer rightly points out, the clock is ticking.

Fact Checker Results ✅

✅ EU legislation like NIS2 and DORA is already in place and confirmed.
✅ The UK’s Cyber Security and Resilience Bill is still under development, expected late 2025.
✅ Cross-border compliance tensions between the UK and EU are well-documented and valid concerns.

Prediction 🔮

Expect UK lawmakers to finalize the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill by Autumn 2025, with implementation beginning in 2026. Sectors like MSPs and data centers will face new compliance burdens, and companies with dual EU-UK operations will need dual frameworks. Cross-border regulatory alignment efforts will likely intensify, potentially leading to joint guidance or harmonization clauses by 2027.

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Reported By: www.infosecurity-magazine.com
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