London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Saturday, Apr 26, 2025

UK Government Proposes Ban on Ransomware Payments to Shield Critical Infrastructure

UK Government Proposes Ban on Ransomware Payments to Shield Critical Infrastructure

New measures aim to bolster national cybersecurity by preventing public sector bodies and essential services from being financially exploited by cybercriminals.
In a significant move to fortify the United Kingdom’s cyber defenses, the UK government has unveiled proposals that could ban all public sector bodies and critical national infrastructure from making ransomware payments.

These proposals are part of a new Home Office consultation intended to extend the current ban on government departments from submitting to ransomware demands.

Ransomware attacks have become an increasingly prevalent threat, with cybercriminals often demanding payments in exchange for unlocking or returning files they have compromised.

The newly proposed measures include a ransomware payment prevention regime aimed at heightening the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) visibility on active attacks.

This would involve the blocking of payments to known criminal groups and sanctioned entities, alongside mandatory reporting of ransomware incidents to enhance law enforcement intelligence.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis emphasized the importance of these measures in addressing the growing cyber threat landscape: “Driving down cyber crime is central to this Government’s missions to reduce crime, deliver growth, and keep the British people safe.

With an estimated one billion dollars flowing to ransomware criminals globally in 2023, it is vital we act to protect national security as a key foundation upon which this Government’s Plan for Change is built.”

The proposals are designed to make national infrastructure and public sector organizations such as the NHS, local councils, and schools less appealing to cybercriminals.

Recent ransomware incidents, including attacks on a major supplier to London Hospitals and the Royal Mail, underscore the urgency of enhanced protective measures.

Richard Horne, a leading figure at the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), noted: “This consultation marks a vital step in our efforts to protect the UK from the crippling effects of ransomware attacks and the associated economic and societal costs.” Horne urges organizations to bolster their defenses and prepare contingency plans to maintain operations in the event of a cyber attack.

Paul Foster, Deputy Director and head of the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit, underscored the magnitude of the ransomware threat: “Ransomware is the most significant cybercrime threat facing the UK and the world, with attacks costing millions in terms of losses and recovery.”

The NCA’s recent success in dismantling the notorious LockBit ransomware network exemplifies the potential impact of these proposals.

The international investigation led to arrests, the sanctioning of criminals, and the exposure of LockBit’s infrastructure, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted law enforcement efforts.

The consultation represents a crucial initiative in the UK’s strategic response to cyber threats, aiming to disrupt the financial dependencies of cybercriminal networks and safeguard essential services from severe disruptions.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Alberta's Push for Independence Raises Questions About Canada's National Unity
Virginia Giuffre, Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein accuser, dies by suicide
"China has survived for five thousand years, most of it without the United States as a market, and it can easily continue to survive without the U.S. market for another five thousand years — no problem," said a China analyst.
Elites vs. America: How Democrats Lost the Plot and the People
Pam Bondi Details Wisconsin Judge’s Actions Before Arrest: 'Can't Make This Up'
Not Child’s Play: How Competitive Gaming Became a Global Economic Empire
California Surpasses Japan to Become the World’s Fourth-Largest Economy
Peter Navarro: The Man Behind Trump’s Tariff Madness
Milwaukee Judge Arrested on Allegations of Aiding Undocumented Immigrant’s Escape
Former U.S. Congressman George Santos sentenced to eighty-seven months for wide-ranging fraud
Trump administration moves to BAN essentially ALL artificial food dyes in the USA food supply at RFK Jr.'s direction
Woman slaps man at sports game and gets herself and husband beat up
Pope Francis: head of the Catholic church who pushed for social and economic justice
China do not pay these tariffs - you pay it. This is new 145% tax you pay to the US government.
Nightlife in the streets of Manchester
In God We Profit
Cultural Battles in the Vatican: The Candidates in the Battle for the Holy See and Pope Francis's Testament
Global Leaders Pay Tribute to Pope Francis Following His Death
Wild Chimpanzees Observed Bonding Over Alcoholic Fruit
US Federal Reserve Chair Issues Warning on Tariff Impact
UK Prison Officers Demand Electric Stun Guns Amid Safety Concerns
China, China, China!
Australian National Charged as Mercenary for Fighting in Ukraine
Israel Considers Limited Strikes on Iran's Nuclear Facilities Amid Diplomatic Efforts
Prince Andrew Joins Royal Family Attends Easter Sunday Service at Windsor Castle
Saudi Arabia Offers Max Verstappen Unprecedented Deal to Join Aston Martin
Global Pistachio Shortage Amid Rising Demand for 'Dubai Chocolate'
Trump is assembling a coalition of Western leaders aligned with the MAGA vision, strengthening a unified front for global change
IMF Predicts No Global Recession Amid Trade Tensions
Here’s a police officer with a brilliant gift for swift education
"Some complain that we put thousands in prison. In reality, we set millions free."
This is Vienna, Austria in 2025.
Boeing Jet Returns to US from China Amid Tariff War
Canadian Federal Election: Candidates' Positions on US-Canada Relations and Donald Trump
Resentencing Hearing for Menendez Brothers Who Killed Their Parents Delayed Amid Legal Disputes
Australian Woman Gives Birth To Stranger's Baby In IVF Mix-up
US Sets Deadline for Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal Brokerage
Italy Introduces 'Sex Rooms' in Prisons for Inmates
California Launches Legal Challenge Against Trump Administration's Tariffs
"Groundless": China Dismisses Zelensky's Claims It's Supplying Arms To Russia
UK Psytrance Festival Cancelled Amid Local Protests Over Noise Concerns
French Far-Right Writer Renaud Camus Denied Entry to UK
UK Police Force Updates Search Policy for Trans Individuals in Custody
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni Meets with Donald Trump to Discuss EU-US Trade Tensions
Canada's Federal Party Leaders Engage in Final Debate Ahead of General Election
Ukraine and US Sign Outline of Minerals Deal
Fast Food Chain Refuses to Apologize for Online Comment About Katy Perry's Space Voyage
New York Attorney General Letitia James Faces Criminal Referral for Alleged Mortgage Fraud
Mark Cuban admits support for Trump executive order: ‘Gotta be honest’
US Senator Meets with Deported Immigrant in El Salvador Amid Custody Dispute
×