Government announces measures to crackdown on cyber criminals

The government has announced new measures to crackdown on cyber criminals and safeguard the public and better protect hospitals, businesses and critical services.

Ransomware is estimated to cost the UK economy millions of pounds every year.

Under the new measures, public sector bodies and critical national infrastructure operators would be banned from paying ransom demands, with the ban aiming to target the criminals' business model.

Also under the proposals, businesses not covered by the ban would be required to notify the government of any intent to pay a ransom. The government will then provide those businesses with advice and support, including whether paying the ransom would risk breaking the law - for example by paying sanctioned criminal groups.

Mandatory reporting is also in development, enabling law enforcement to track perpetrators with extra intelligence.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis said: "Ransomware is a predatory crime that puts the public at risk, wrecks livelihoods and threatens the services we depend on. 

"That’s why we’re determined to smash the cyber criminal business model and protect the services we all rely on as we deliver our Plan for Change. 

"By working in partnership with industry to advance these measures, we are sending a clear signal that the UK is united in the fight against ransomware."

NCSC Director of National Resilience Jonathon Ellison said: "These new measures help undermine the criminal ecosystem that is causing harm across our economy.

"Ransomware remains a serious and evolving threat, and organisations must not become complacent. All businesses should strengthen their defences using proven frameworks such as Cyber Essentials and our free Early Warning service, and be prepared to respond to incidents, recover quickly, and maintain continuity if the worst happens."