The threat landscape is evolving at an overwhelming speed, driven by sophisticated AI, while regulatory pressure tightens across the entire supply chain. In 2026, a number of regulatory updates will require Finance Directors and IT managers in UK SMEs to take action.
- Q1 2026 (Ongoing): Expect the Information Commission (new name for ICO) to be more assertive, potentially using new powers under the Data (Use and Access) Act to demand reports and information during investigations.
- Q2 2026 (Approx. June) / Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (Full implementation): Changes to UK GDPR become active: easier automated decision-making and clarification on international data transfers. FDs must ensure new processes align with the "reasonable and proportionate searches" requirement for Subject Access Requests (SARs).
- Q2 2026 (April 27) / Cyber Essentials Certification Update: Mandatory change: MFA must be enabled wherever a cloud service offers it. Businesses relying on certification for tenders must implement this change by the deadline.
- Mid-to-Late 2026 / Cyber Security and Resilience Bill (Expected Royal Assent): This marks the legal mandate for heightened security. MSPs and critical suppliers to essential services will officially be under government oversight, forcing FDs to vet all tech partners rigorously.
- Throughout 2026 / New Ransom Payment Prevention Regime (Home Office Proposal): While a full ban targets CNI, proposals may require all businesses to notify the government within 72 hours of any intent to pay a ransom over a certain threshold. FDs must formalise their policy.
Over 31,000 UK companies are now Cyber Essentials certified - a 16% year-on-year increase. But that is still only a fraction of the UK’s SME businesses. Being 'audit-ready' can give you an immediate competitive advantage, but it will soon be an absolute necessity so your business can meet regulatory requirements, secure better insurance and gain client contracts.
We know that keeping up with client and security questionnaires and protocols is a massive time-sink for finance and operations teams. But there is a simpler way. The Backbone team can help you do this effectively, consistently, without adding costs, software or additional headcount.
Book a call with a Backbone cyber security team member.