Ransomware is biggest online threat to people in UK

Lindy Cameron, chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre, has warned that ransomware represents the biggest threat to online security for most people and businesses in the UK.

Speaking to the Rusi thinktank on 14 June, Cameron will stress that the phenomenon, where hackers encrypt data and demand payment for it to be restored, is escalating and becoming increasingly professionalised. She is expected to say that the ransomware crisis is more of a threat than spying online by Russia, China and other hostile states.

Ransomware incidents have soared over the past two years globally as criminal gangs generate tens of millions of dollars by extorting money from companies. Recent high profile incidents include the US oil network, Colonial Pipeline, which was shut down after hackers obtained access via a compromised password, forcing the business to shut down for several days.

Global leaders of the leading industrial nations agreed to take steps to tackle the problem at the G7 Summit in Cornwall, with the summit’s final communique urging Russia to ‘hold to account those within its borders who conduct ransomware attacks’.