The UK government has announced a series of new cybersecurity measures aimed at enhancing the security of critical infrastructure, prompted by recent ransomware attacks on major retailers such as Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods. Pat McFadden, the minister for intergovernmental relations, made the announcement during the CyberUK summit, emphasizing that businesses must prioritize cybersecurity in the face of increasing threats.
McFadden characterized the recent attacks as a “wake-up call” for all businesses in the UK, analogizing the need for robust digital security to locking one’s house or car. He noted that the forthcoming Cyber Resilience and Security bill will empower the technology secretary to mandate enhanced cyber defenses for over 1,000 private IT providers. McFadden stated, “These attacks serve as a powerful reminder that we have to treat our digital shop fronts the same way we take care of our physical assets.” [Source]
The minister also revealed the release of a new code of practice for software security intended to assist businesses in tackling cyber threats while fostering growth. Richard Horne, CEO of the UK National Cybersecurity Center (NCSC), highlighted the alarming rise in cyber incidents, with the agency reporting 200 incidents since September 2024, nearly double the incidents reported in the same period last year. Horne pointed out that hostile nation-states were exploiting cyber capabilities, often operating in a gray zone between peace and war.
As the threat landscape continues to evolve, nation-state actors, particularly from China and Russia, represent a significant concern for the UK. Horne noted that geopolitical tensions are likely to increase hacking activities, with Russia leveraging proxies for cyber sabotage against the Five Eyes nations. Furthermore, North Korean hackers have been targeting UK businesses through fraudulent IT job schemes. These developments underline the imperative for the UK to bolster its cybersecurity posture ahead of the implementation of the new legislation later this year. [Source]