UK Government's Take On Ransomware: Insights From The Recent Consultation

Ransomware attacks have escalated in frequency and sophistication, posing a significant threat to national security and critical national infrastructure ("CNI"). Cybersecurity has emerged as a core pillar of the UK's national defence strategy, as set out in the recent Strategic Defence Review. The Government has recognised cyber as a crucial area for modern conflict. Ransomware attacks are a significant method of attack, as a form of cybercrime which involves malicious software encrypting data and a ransom demand for its restoration or to prevent its publication. The UK has experienced a notable rise in such incidents, including attacks on Synnovis (an NHS diagnostics service provider) and Southern Water (a water company providing water to a region of the UK), both in 2024.