Incident Response Firms in the UK
10 vetted firms with UK GDPR expertise and ICO notification experience. All provide 24/7 emergency response across the United Kingdom.
UK Incident Response Landscape
UK GDPR Requirements
The UK GDPR maintains the EU's 72-hour notification requirement. Breaches must be reported to the ICO unless they're unlikely to risk individuals' rights and freedoms.
- • ICO notification: 72 hours
- • Individual notification: Without undue delay
- • Maximum fine: £17.5M or 4% turnover
NCSC Guidance
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) provides sector-specific incident management frameworks and threat intelligence to UK organisations.
- • Cyber Aware program support
- • Active Cyber Defence services
- • Incident reporting to NCSC (recommended)
Critical Sectors
Organisations in finance, healthcare, utilities, and digital services may have additional reporting obligations under the Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations 2018.
UK-Based Incident Response Firms
| Firm | Location | Response | Specialties | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abingdon, United Kingdom | 24hr | RansomwareMalware Analysis +3 | Get Help | |
| Manchester, United Kingdom | 24hr | ForensicsSecurity Testing +3 | Get Help | |
| London, United Kingdom | 24hr | ForensicsRegulatory Compliance +3 | Get Help | |
| Guildford, United Kingdom | 24hr | ForensicsGovernment +3 | Get Help | |
| London, United Kingdom | 24hr | Crisis ManagementKidnap & Ransom +3 | Get Help | |
| London, United Kingdom | 24hr | Cyber IntelligenceIncident Response +3 | Get Help | |
| Cambridge, United Kingdom | 24hr | AI ResponseAutonomous Response +3 | Get Help | |
| London, United Kingdom | 24hr | Managed DetectionIncident Management +3 | Get Help | |
| London, United Kingdom | 24hr | Managed ServicesCyber Security +3 | Get Help | |
| London, United Kingdom | 24hr | Managed SecurityCompliance +3 | Get Help |
Hiring an IR Firm in the UK
What to Look For
✅ UK Regulatory Expertise
- • ICO notification experience
- • UK GDPR compliance knowledge
- • Understanding of sector regulations (FCA, CQC, etc.)
- • NCSC Cyber Incident Response scheme accreditation
✅ Response Capabilities
- • 24/7 emergency hotline
- • UK-based response teams
- • Retainer options for priority service
- • Cyber insurance integration experience
Questions to Ask
- 1. How many UK GDPR breaches have you handled? Look for firms with dozens or hundreds of notifications filed.
- 2. What is your relationship with the ICO? Established firms have direct ICO contacts and understand their expectations.
- 3. Can you support our specific industry? Financial services, healthcare, and retail have unique compliance requirements.
- 4. What are your retainer terms? Monthly retainers (£3K-£10K) typically provide 20-30% cost savings and priority response.
- 5. Do you work with our cyber insurance carrier? Pre-approved vendors can streamline claims and reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to notify the ICO after a data breach?
Yes, under UK GDPR, organisations must notify the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) within 72 hours of becoming aware of a personal data breach, unless the breach is unlikely to result in a risk to individuals' rights and freedoms. Failure to notify can result in fines up to £8.7 million or 2% of global turnover.
Should I hire a UK-based incident response firm?
UK-based firms offer several advantages: deep understanding of UK GDPR and ICO requirements, familiarity with the NCSC Incident Management framework, and convenient time zone alignment for rapid response. However, many global firms have UK offices and equally strong capabilities. The key is to verify their UK regulatory expertise and local response capacity.
What is the average cost of incident response in the UK?
UK incident response costs typically range from £15,000-£50,000 for small to medium incidents, and £100,000+ for complex breaches requiring extensive forensics. Retainer arrangements (£3,000-£10,000/month) provide priority response and discounted rates. Many cyber insurance policies cover IR costs.
How quickly can UK firms respond to an active breach?
All firms listed provide 24/7 emergency response with initial contact within 2-4 hours. On-site or remote investigation typically begins within 4-6 hours for critical incidents. UK firms can mobilise teams across London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and other major cities.