Supply chains are now one of the top cyber security risks facing UK businesses. High-profile cyber attacks on critical industries – along with new NHS Supply Chain requirements like Cyber Essentials Plus – highlight how a single vulnerability can impact entire sectors.
This article explores why supply chain cyber security is making headlines, what businesses need to know about evolving requirements, and how combining Cyber Essentials Plus with a certified ISO/IEC 27001 Information Security Management System (ISMS) can help protect operations, build resilience, and strengthen trust with customers and stakeholders.
The Growing Threat of Supply Chain Cyber Attacks
Cyber attackers increasingly view suppliers as a gateway to wider networks. A single vulnerability in a partner’s system can expose interconnected businesses to risk, potentially disrupting entire industries.
Recent incidents underline this reality. The ransomware attack that disrupted Jaguar Land Rover suppliers and the compromise of aviation systems affecting major European airports show how dependent modern business is on complex digital supply chains.
NHS Cyber Essentials Plus Expectations for Suppliers
In line with UK government procurement guidance under Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 01/24, public sector organisations are advised to apply proportionate cyber security requirements for contracts where cyber risks are present.
NHS Supply Chain has introduced clearer expectations under this policy, reflecting a wider trend of embedding information security into supplier relationships.
Here’s what suppliers need to know:
- In-scope suppliers – such as those handling NHS personal data or delivering IT and digital services – are expected to hold Cyber Essentials Plus certification.
- Suppliers who do not currently meet this requirement are encouraged to liaise with NHS Supply Chain to determine if other forms of evidence may demonstrate equivalent cyber security assurance.
Explore our Supply Chain Guide to understand evolving requirements.
Cyber Essentials Plus: A Trusted Baseline for Supply Chain Assurance
Cyber Essentials Plus is a UK government‑backed certification scheme, supported by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), that helps businesses guard against the most common internet‑based cyber threats.
The scheme assesses the implementation of five core technical controls:
- Firewalls and internet gateways
- Secure configuration
- Access control
- Malware protection
- Patch management
Unlike the basic Cyber Essentials certification, Cyber Essentials Plus includes independent technical testing of these controls by an IASME-approved certification body, offering enhanced assurance to clients and stakeholders. It is particularly valuable for SMEs seeking to demonstrate cyber resilience in regulated or sensitive markets.
ISO/IEC 27001: Comprehensive Supply Chain Security
While Cyber Essentials Plus provides a strong baseline protection, ISO 27001 offers a more comprehensive, risk-based approach to managing information security across the entire organisation.
ISO 27001 is the internationally recognised standard for implementing and certifying an Information Security Management System. It helps organisations to:
- Identify and manage information security risks
- Support the establishment of security policies, roles, and responsibilities
- Monitor, audit, and improve security performance
- Demonstrate conformance to global best practices through accredited certification
Discover more about the benefits of ISO 27001.
Certification is not only about reducing risk – it supports trust, continuity, and credibility in today’s connected supply chains.
As Cyber Security Month reminds us, protecting digital supply chains is no longer optional. Businesses that act now can help protect operations, maintain momentum, and strengthen customer trust.
Ready to Strengthen Your Supply Chain Security?
Explore our certification services for Cyber Essentials Plus and ISO 27001, or contact our team today.
