The UK government has announced a series of measures to tackle the growing threat of ransomware attacks, focusing on protecting businesses, public sector organisations, and critical infrastructure. Following public consultation, these proposals aim to disrupt cyber criminals and safeguard essential services, with the intention of reducing the financial and operational impact of ransomware.
Ransomware attacks have cost the UK economy millions annually, with businesses, hospitals, and critical services often targeted. The government’s proposals include banning public sector bodies, such as the NHS, local councils, and schools, from paying ransom demands. This move seeks to target the business model behind ransomware attacks, making these services less attractive to criminals.
For businesses outside the public sector, the government will require them to report any intention to pay ransom, offering guidance and monitoring to ensure compliance with legal sanctions. This mandatory reporting will help law enforcement track cybercriminal activities and provide essential intelligence to disrupt their operations.
The new strategy is designed to protect UK organisations from ransomware threats, with an emphasis on collaboration with industry stakeholders. Businesses are encouraged to enhance their cybersecurity measures, including having offline backups and disaster recovery plans in place to minimise disruption during an attack.
These measures aim to not only mitigate the financial cost of ransomware but also to prevent the more severe consequences, such as disruption to critical services and potential loss of life.
