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 critical national infrastructure from paying ransoms to cybercriminals.

The new rules will also require businesses to notify authorities before making any ransom payments, with mandatory reporting of all ransomware incidents. These steps are intended to disrupt the business model of cyber gangs and better protect essential services like the NHS, local councils, and schools. The move follows a surge in high-profile attacks and has received strong public and industry support.

Officials hope the ban will deter cybercriminals from targeting UK institutions and improve national cybersecurity resilience.