UK Launches Sweeping Ban on Ransomware Payments to Crush Cybercrime

The UK government is set to ban public sector bodies and operators of critical national infrastructure from paying ransoms to cybercriminals, following a surge in high-profile ransomware attacks.

The new measures will also require businesses to notify authorities before making any ransom payments, aiming to disrupt the business model of cyber gangs. This crackdown is designed to protect essential services like the NHS, local councils, and schools from future attacks and extortion. The government hopes these strict laws will deter hackers by removing the financial incentive and enable more effective law enforcement responses.

The move has received strong support from industry and is considered one of the toughest anti-ransomware regimes globally.