Why cyber resilience is now a boardroom priority for UK public services
The article argues that cyber resilience has become a boardroom priority for UK public services, as policy changes, government restructuring and new technologies increase both expectations and exposure. Because services such as healthcare, transport and benefits depend on digital systems, cyber incidents can disrupt essential services and damage public trust and safety.
A 2024 ransomware attack on NHS pathology provider Synnovis disrupted testing in south-east London and contributed to delays affecting more than 11,000 appointments. The NCSC handled 204 nationally significant cyber incidents in the year to September 2025, up from 89 the year before, an average of four a week. The article points to government and NCSC guidance urging boards to take responsibility for cyber risk, while warning that reorganisations can create security gaps as systems, suppliers and responsibilities change.
- Cyber resilience is now a leadership responsibility for public services.
- The NCSC recorded 204 nationally significant incidents in a year.
- Restructuring and digital change can expose gaps in security.
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UK public services rely on digital systems to deliver healthcare, transport, benefits and other essential services. Cyber resilience means being able to prepare for cyber attacks, keep services running where possible and recover when systems are disrupted.
Responsibility for managing these risks sits across public bodies, their leaders and the companies that supply their technology. When organisations are restructured or systems and suppliers change, gaps in security arrangements can emerge.
A cyber incident can affect people’s access to services, their safety and their trust in public institutions. The issue matters because disruption to one part of a service can have consequences for patients, passengers or people relying on support.