The UK wants to ban some organizations from paying ransomware demands

Date:
Wed, 23 Jul 2025 11:47:00 +0000

Description:
New measures set to be introduced to dispel ransomware gangs.

FULL STORY

A new set of cyber regulations are being introduced by the UK government in a move to protect British public services from the growing threat of ransomware.

Under the new guidelines, public organisations like the NHS, local councils, and schools will all be banned from paying ransom demands - a move which
looks to dissuade criminals from targeting public institutions.

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 Governments statement argues .

Criminal business model

Amongst the high-profile attacks on public services in recent times is a ransomware attack on an NHS hospital, the disruptions from which contributed
to a patient death - outlining just how damaging and harmful these attacks
can be, not just financially but on a personal level too.

Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) is a multi-million pound industry, and one
which preys on vulnerable organisations without premium cybersecurity protections.

Public organisations in the UK with chronic budget restraints are
particularly vulnerable, not just because they cant afford first-rate
security, but also because they provide critical services that have
devastating impacts if disrupted.

Under the new set of proposals, businesses that are not covered by the ban
are required to notify the government if they intend to pay the ransom -
giving the government the opportunity to provide them with advice and
support, including notifying them if any such payment would risk breaking the law by sending money to sanctioned cyber criminal groups, many of whom are based in Russia.

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

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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/the-uk-wants-to-ban-some-organizations- from-paying-ransomware-demands

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