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

The UK government is introducing strict new measures to combat ransomware attacks by banning public sector bodies and operators of critical national infrastructure from paying ransoms to cybercriminals.

The new laws 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 surge in high-profile attacks on British institutions, including the NHS and major retailers. The government hopes that mandatory reporting and payment bans will deter hackers and better protect essential services.

The proposals have received strong support from industry and the public, signaling a significant shift in the UK's approach to cybercrime.