UK Cracks Down on Ransomware: Public Sector Banned from Paying Hackers

The UK government is introducing strict new measures to combat the growing threat of ransomware attacks, including a ban on public sector bodies and critical national infrastructure from paying ransoms to cybercriminals.

The new rules will also require businesses to notify authorities before making any ransom payments, aiming to disrupt the business model of cyber gangs. These changes come after a series of high-profile attacks on British institutions, including the NHS and major retailers. Officials hope the ban will deter hackers by removing the financial incentive and better protect essential public services.

The move has received strong support from industry and is seen as one of the toughest anti-ransomware laws globally.