Digital Threats and Compliance: How 2024 Redefined Cybersecurity for UK Biotech

Introduction

New  proposed legislation and escalating cyber threats in 2024–what legal implications can be expected? This article explores how evolving cybersecurity laws and attacks are reshaping compliance and risk management in the Biotech sector.

Key Definitions

• Cybersecurity: Protecting IT systems, devices, and data from unauthorised access or interference (e.g. ransomware, hacking).

• Biotech: Field involving the integration of natural and engineering sciences (utilising processes like gene editing) to create products and services.

• Ransomware: Malicious software that encrypts data until a ransom is paid.

  
  

Why Biotech is a Prime Target and Why it Requires more Safeguards

Biotech generates sensitive and expensive data such as genomic sequences, clinical trials, and patented formulas which makes it a target for larger organised crime. The nature of the industry also encourages global collaborations, which further amplifies vulnerabilities in supply chains and third-party vendors. 

Unlike other industries, the Biotech sector faces more serious consequences from cyberattacks including:  disrupted drug development (e.g. vaccines), IP theft, eroded investor trust, leaking or loss of sensitive patient data, delayed research and trials etc.

These reasons make the biotech sector so lucrative for cybercriminals, and therefore crucially require strong safeguards in place to protect its vulnerabilities from cybercrime.

Who are the common Threat Actors?

• State-sponsored groups: Target IP (e.g., mRNA research) for geopolitical advantage.

• Organised crime: Exploit ransomware to extort payments or sell stolen data.

• Insiders: Employees leaking data for financial gain.

  
  

The UK’s Legal Framework in 2024

The UK’s cybersecurity laws remain fragmented:

1. Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) & UK GDPR: Mandates data security, with fines up to 4% of global turnover.

2. NIS Regulations 2018: Applies to healthcare and energy sectors but excludes biotech, leaving gaps.

3. Computer Misuse Act 1990: Criminalises hacking but lacks modern enforcement tools.

   
   

Proposed Cybersecurity and Resilience Bill (2025)

Announced in July 2024, this bill aims to unify the UK’s framework by:

• Expanding Scope: Designating biotech and genomic data as “critical sectors” under stricter rules.

• Mandating 24-hour ransomware reporting (vs. GDPR’s 72-hour window).

• Empowering Regulators: Granting the ICO and NCSC authority to audit and penalise non-compliance.

  
  

Case Study: NHS Synnovis Attack

The June 2024 ransomware attack on NHS pathology provider Synnovis cost £32.7 million, cutting its 2023 profits of £4.3 million. There had also been investigations into potential dark web leaks of patient data that reinforced vulnerabilities in healthcare supply chains, accelerating calls for the Cybersecurity and Resilience Bill.

Legal Implications for 2025

If enacted, the bill will:

1. Increase Compliance Burdens: Firms handling NHS data or clinical trials face mandatory NCSC audits.

2. Heighten Penalties: Align fines with GDPR’s 4% threshold for critical sectors.

3. Enforce Accountability: Boards face personal liability for breaches.

   
   

Conclusion

2024’s legislative shift—driven by incidents like Synnovis—has positioned cybersecurity as a core legal risk, with more legislative focus anticipated in the Biotech sector. With the Cybersecurity and Resilience Bill expected to pass by early 2026 latest, lawyers will play a pivotal role in safeguarding innovation through proactive compliance and litigation readiness.

References and Further Reading

"Cyber control: vital for the biotech industry, UK Bioindustry Association" (BIA)

"Cybersecurity and Resilience Bill – a different approach to NIS2 or a British sister act?" (DLA Piper)

"Cybersecurity in the UK" (House of Commons Library)

"The UK’s New Cyber Security and Resilience Bill Boosts Cyber Security Protection for Essential Services" (Sharp)