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

The UK government is introducing sweeping new measures to combat the growing threat of ransomware attacks, including a ban on public sector bodies and operators of 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 and deter future attacks. These changes come in response to a surge in high-profile cyber incidents affecting hospitals, retailers, and other essential services. Officials hope the ban will send a strong message to international cybercriminals that the UK will not negotiate or fund their activities.

The move has received broad support and is seen as one of the toughest anti-ransomware stances globally.