The new rules come as the cost of cyberattacks continues to mount.

The government has introduced its long-awaited cyber security and resilience bill to parliament, promising to toughen the UK’s defences against the growing wave of cyberattacks on businesses and public services.

Ministers say the new legislation represents a ‘step change’ in national security, with the aim of protecting vital services such as energy, water and healthcare from disruption.

It follows a string of high-profile incidents in recent months, including the attack on NHS contractor Synnovis which led to more than 11,000 cancelled medical appointments and caused losses of over £30m.

Science, Innovation and Technology secretary Liz Kendall said the bill would mean “fewer cancelled NHS appointments, less disrupt

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