New Cybersecurity Response Policies

Cyber threats are no longer just a concern for large enterprises. In 2025 nearly half of UK businesses reported suffering a cyber-attack, and small organisations are increasingly at risk. In one of the most striking examples, major UK retailer Marks & Spencer estimated a loss of around £300 million after a cyberattack that disrupted its online and in-store systems. For smaller firms, a breach can mean far more than immediate costs – loss of customer trust, legal exposure, and even business closure.

Cyber & IT Policy Suite

This new range of policies is designed to help businesses of all sizes prepare for, respond to, and recover from cyber and information security incidents. In today’s environment, where SMEs face targeted threats and regulatory scrutiny, a clear, structured policy framework is best practice – supporting compliance with UK GDPR, the NIS Regulations, and providing evidence of risk management readiness.

What Does the Cyber & IT Policy Suite Include?

The Cyber & IT Policy Suite contains five detailed response policies, each focusing on a specific aspect of incident management. Together, they form a complete incident response and governance system.

Cyberattack Response Policy

This policy is focused on direct cyberattacks such as hacking, data theft, or unauthorised system access, this policy sets out clear procedures for identifying threats, containing breaches, restoring systems, and meeting regulatory reporting obligations.

Incident Response Policy 

This is the core document which establishes the overarching framework for detecting, reporting, and managing all information security and data protection incidents. It defines escalation routes, roles, and responsibilities, ensuring consistent coordination between technical, legal, and compliance teams.

Malware Response Policy 

This policy addresses malicious software incidents, including viruses, worms, trojans, and spyware. It provides detailed steps for isolating infected systems, eradicating malware, restoring services, and preventing recurrence.

Ransomware Response Policy

This document targets ransomware attacks which carry unique legal and operational risks. This policy covers decision-making around ransom demands, sanctions and AML checks, reporting to regulators and law enforcement, and secure data recovery procedures.

Phishing Response Policy

Last but not least, this policy is designed to combat social engineering, credential theft, and business email compromise, this policy defines practical detection, reporting, and user awareness procedures for responding to phishing incidents.

Each document includes classification tables, detailed response procedures, and a record retention schedule to ensure consistency, accountability, and evidence preservation across all incidents.

What are the Key Distinctions Between These Policies?

• Cyberattack Response Policy: focuses on managing targeted technical intrusions or system breaches.
• Incident Response Policy: the central governance document providing the overall management framework and escalation process.
• Malware Response Policy: guides the response to malicious code infections across devices and networks.
• Ransomware Response Policy: introduces specific controls for extortion-based cyberattacks and associated legal obligations.
• Phishing Response Policy: supports early detection, user training, and mitigation of deceptive email or web-based attacks.

Used together, these templates create a layered and consistent approach to cybersecurity and incident response – suitable for SMEs through to larger organisations managing complex data environments.

Take Control of Your Cybersecurity Today!

Cyberattacks can strike any business, at any time – but preparation makes all the difference. The Simply-Docs Cyber & IT Policy Suite gives you the professional tools you need to plan, protect, and respond effectively.

Strengthen your defences, meet your legal obligations, and demonstrate accountability to your customers and regulators.

Download the Cyber & IT Policy Suite today and take a proactive step toward a safer, more resilient business.