The UK’s Cyber Security and Resilience Bill is set to bring certain Managed Service Providers (MSPs) under the same regulatory framework as digital service providers covered by the Network & Information Systems Regulations (NIS Regulations) 2018. That means higher expectations, mandatory incident reporting, and regulatory oversight from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
But here’s the good news: You don’t need to start from scratch.
ISO 27001:2022 gives you a readymade framework to build strong cybersecurity practices and demonstrate compliance.
What’s Changing for MSPs?
Not all MSPs will be in scope. The new Bill applies to providers based on size, risk profile, and criticality of services. This includes datacentres, managed service providers (MSPs), and ‘critical suppliers’ that support essential functions or public facing infrastructure. Secondary legislation will define exactly who qualifies, but you’re likely to be affected if you:
- Deliver cloud or managed infrastructure services
- Provide cybersecurity operations to third parties
- Support essential services or public sector organisations
Organisations likely to fall in scope include those providing:
- Cloud services
- Managed network and infrastructure support
- Cybersecurity operations
- Datacentre and hosting services
- Services to critical sectors or public bodies
If you’re in scope, you’ll be expected to:
- Implement robust technical and organisational security measures
- Detect, respond to, and report significant incidents to the ICO
- Secure your supply chain and vendor relationships
- Maintain records and be audit ready
Why ISO 27001:2022 Makes Sense
This isn’t about ticking boxes. ISO 27001:2022 is about creating a culture and system of continuous risk management, security awareness, and accountability. It aligns closely with the NIS requirements MSPs will soon face.
Here’s how:
NIS Requirement | ISO 27001:2022 Alignment |
Implement appropriate security measures | A comprehensive Information Security Management System (ISMS) tailored to your organisation’s risk. |
Incident detection & response | Documented processes for incident handling and post incident learning (A.5.24 – A.5.27). |
Risk management | Risk assessment and treatment baked into planning and operations (Clause 6.1). |
Access control | Strong policies and access management controls (A.5.15–A.5.18). |
Business continuity | Resilience and recovery planning as part of core information security (A.5.29–A.5.30). |
Supply chain security | Requirements around vendor due diligence, contracts, and oversight (A.5.21–A.5.23). |
Demonstrating compliance | Ongoing internal audits, document trails, and evidence based reporting. (A.5.31 |
Fines and Enforcement
The ICO will have powers to investigate and enforce compliance for MSPs that fall under the new regime. The NIS Regulations set four levels of fines for noncompliance, ranging from up to £1 million for minor contraventions to £17 million for the most serious cases. The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill may extend these enforcement tools even further, including the possibility of daily penalties up to £100,000 for ongoing noncompliance, as proposed in early discussions.
If you’re not already preparing, now’s the time.
Why ISO 27001 Is Good for Business
- Be audit ready: Certification shows regulators (and clients) you’re serious about security.
- Reduce operational risk: The framework helps prevent avoidable breaches and incidents.
- Win client trust: Security is a dealbreaker in many procurement processes.
- Secure your supply chain: Extend your standards to third party providers.
How to Get Started
- Run a gap analysis against ISO 27001:2022 to benchmark your current setup.
- Focus on key risks — especially incident response, access control, and supplier security.
- Build your ISMS with clear policies, controls, and responsibilities.
- Train your people — the best systems fail if no one follows them.
- Work toward certification to strengthen your posture and market credibility.
Final Thoughts
Compliance doesn’t need to be a burden. Done right, it becomes a blueprint for building a more secure, resilient, and competitive business.
ISO 27001:2022 gives you the structure to do just that and puts you in a strong position ahead of the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill.
Want Help Putting It All Into Action?
At Inavate Consulting, we support MSPs with gap assessments, documentation, training, and ISMS implementation.
Let’s build a stronger line of defence, together.
