UK Launches Tough Ban on Ransomware Payments to Disrupt Cybercrime

The UK government is introducing strict new measures to ban public sector bodies and operators of critical national infrastructure from paying ransoms to cybercriminals.

This move comes after a surge in high-profile ransomware attacks targeting British institutions, including the NHS and major retailers. Under the new rules, private businesses must notify authorities before making any ransom payments, while public organizations are outright prohibited from paying. The government aims to undermine the business model of cybercriminals and improve national cybersecurity resilience.

These measures are among the toughest globally and signal a significant shift in the UK's approach to combating ransomware threats.