Measures to tackle the threat of ransomware and protect businesses and critical services will be taken forward with industry following public consultation.
Hospitals, businesses, and critical services are set to be protected under measures designed to crack down on cyber criminals and safeguard the public.
Ransomware is software used maliciously by cyber criminals to access victims’ computer systems. Systems and data can be encrypted, or data stolen, until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware is estimated to cost the UK economy millions of pounds each year, with recent high-profile ransomware attacks highlighting the severe operational, financial, and even life-threatening risks.
The new package of measures will lead the way in tackling ransomware and are designed to strike against cyber criminals’ business model, bolstering our national security and protecting key services and businesses from disruption. They follow an extensive consultation with stakeholders across the UK which showed strong public backing for tougher action to tackle ransomware and protect vital services.
Read the UK government’s response to the ransomware consultation.
The UK government have updated their guidance to help businesses and organisations improve online security and protect against cyber threats. For further information visit: Cyber security guidance for business - GOV.UK.
If you are a business, charity or other organisation which is currently suffering a live cyber attack (in progress), please call 0300 123 2040 immediately. For further information visit: 24/7 live cyber reporting for businesses.
Help for people, businesses and public services to reduce the risk of cyber-attacks is available on Cyber security advice and guidance | GOV.WALES