As reported by Digital Health, the government has unveiled new cyber security measures aimed at strengthening the resilience of online public services, including health and social care, as part of a £210 million investment
The Government Cyber Action Plan, published on 6 January 2026, will be driven by a new Government Cyber Unit and is designed to improve visibility of cyber risks, strengthen central oversight and enable faster responses to attacks as public services become increasingly digital.
Digital government minister Ian Murray said cyber attacks can take vital services offline within minutes, adding the plan would “set a new bar” for protecting public services and businesses and help build trust in digital government.
The announcement follows a series of cyber incidents affecting the NHS, including a major ransomware attack on pathology supplier Synnovis in 2024 that disrupted services across London and was linked to a patient death and severe harm. Other affected organisations have included Barts Health NHS Trust and GP software suppliers.
The plan highlights how cyber incidents can quickly escalate into major healthcare and social care emergencies. The Government Cyber Unit is expected to be established by April 2027, with further expansion by 2029 to improve cross-government response and recovery.
Separately, the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, setting cyber standards for government suppliers, has passed its Second Reading in Parliament.
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