New Bill Promises Government’s Commitment to Enhancing Cybersecurity
The government is taking measures to strengthen the UK’s cyber defenses in response to the increasing cybersecurity threats and incidents, including a recent ransomware attack on London hospitals.
The government has announced a new law that will expand existing regulations and give more power to regulators to enhance cybersecurity in the UK.
The government also plans to increase cyberattack reporting requirements for businesses, especially in cases of ransomware attacks, to gain a better understanding of current vulnerabilities.
The briefing notes highlighted the vulnerabilities of essential services to hostile actors, citing recent cyberattacks on the NHS and Ministry of Defence as severe impacts that necessitate swift actions to address vulnerabilities and safeguard the digital economy for growth.
The total cost of cyberattacks in the UK was estimated at £27 billion per year in 2011, a figure that is likely to have increased since then.
Legislation Must Be Fit for Purpose
Carla Baker, senior director of government affairs for the UK and Ireland at cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks, welcomed the government’s initiative to strengthen cyber defenses, recognizing cybersecurity’s crucial role in building resilience and driving economic growth in critical sectors.
Ms. Baker emphasized the need for a balanced approach in security requirements within the legislation, ensuring resilience while promoting innovation and economic growth.
The bill’s announcement follows a series of high-profile cyberattacks in the UK over the past year, including an attack on Synnovis, a blood testing service provider, affecting IT systems at several London hospitals like Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College Hospitals NHS Trust.
Disruption to services due to cyberattacks has led to the postponement of appointments and operations, highlighting the seriousness of these incidents.
Ransomware Attack on NHS
Further cyber incidents, such as the Ministry of Defence shutting down a third-party payment system over hacking concerns, underscore the persistent cyber threats facing the UK.
China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea Pose Greatest Risk
A significant cyberattack on the UK’s democratic institutions was attributed to hackers linked to the Chinese regime, prompting the UK to sanction individuals and organizations involved in cyber espionage.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has identified Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea as posing the greatest cyber risk to the UK and its allies, necessitating continued vigilance and security measures.
PA Media contributed to this report.
