Strengthening national cyber resilience: what QinetiQ’s NCSC accreditation means for the UK

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) requires that operators of essential services (OES), such as transport, energy, water or healthcare, operate to the highest standards of security and resilience.

Compliance with those standards need to be assessed and audited but that work can only be carried out by companies who themselves have been assured by the NCSC to meet strict requirements.

QinetiQ’s recent recognition as an assured service provider (ASP) under the NCSC’s Cyber Resilience Audit (CRA) scheme confirms we can deliver independent cyber audits that are critical for protecting systems that keep the country running.

A changing landscape: the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill

In November 2025, the UK government introduced the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, updating the existing Network and Information Systems (NIS) framework to better reflect modern risks.

The new Bill expands regulatory scope to include:

• Data centres
• Managed service providers
• Key supply chain partners

It also mandates a more rigorous, two‑stage incident reporting process and introduces fines of up to 4% of global turnover for non‑compliance, bringing cyber legislation closer to the accountability models seen in GDPR.

This increase in regulation has increased demand for trusted, technically expert audit providers. This is why QinetiQ’s NCSC accreditation is significant.

What QinetiQ’s accreditation means

Being recognised as an ASP under the CRA scheme means we’ve demonstrated the capability, expertise and governance required to undertake independent cyber audits on behalf of Cyber Oversight Bodies.

These include regulators and government policy functions responsible for monitoring the cyber resilience of essential service providers within their sectors.

The insight drawn from these audits gives oversight bodies a clear understanding of an organisation’s resilience. The findings help build a comprehensive picture of cyber resilience across entire sectors and, ultimately, across the UK.

For critical services that millions of people depend on every day, this visibility is essential.

Our people and expertise: the foundation of trusted cyber resilience audits

QinetiQ’s cyber audit capability is built on a blend of deep technical expertise, operational experience and a long heritage of supporting national security.

Our CRA consultants hold Chartered status in the Audit and Assurance specialism, our CRA team leaders are professionally registered at Principal level and our teams commit to continuous professional development to maintain their status.

Supporting a more resilient future

QinetiQ’s accreditation demonstrates both capability and commitment to supporting national resilience efforts, helping ensure that the systems underpinning daily life remain secure, reliable and robust.

If you want to find out more about our services, please see the links below:

• CHECK ITHC (IT Health Check)
• Cyber Business Mapping
• Cyber Exercising & Assurance
• Cyber Maturity Review