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UK could face ‘hacktivist attacks at scale’, says head of security agency
TL;DR
The UK may experience large-scale hacktivist attacks if involved in a conflict, warns the head of the National Cyber Security Centre. These attacks could mirror the effects of recent ransomware incidents without the option to pay ransoms for recovery.
Key points
- UK may face hacktivist attacks if involved in conflict
- Attacks could resemble recent ransomware incidents
- No option to pay ransom for recovery from hacktivist attacks
- NCSC chief emphasizes need for enhanced cybersecurity
- Recent ransomware incidents have targeted major UK organizations
Mentioned in this story
National Cyber Security CentreGCHQMarks & SpencerJaguar Land RoverRoyal Mail
The UK could face “hacktivist attacks at scale” if it becomes embroiled in a conflict and the impact could be similar to recent high-profile ransomware incidents, according to the head of the country’s online security agency.
Richard Horne, chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), will warn today that nation states now account for the most significant incidents the NCSC deals with.
“Were we to be in, or near, a conflict situation, the UK would likely face hacktivist attacks at scale. With similar effects and sophistication to the ransomware attacks we see today. But … no option to pay a ransom to help recover,” the NCSC chief will say in a speech on Wednesday opening the annual CyberUK conference in Glasgow.
Ransomware gangs – who demand a payment in exchange for unlocking IT systems they have encrypted – have hit a host of British targets in recent years including Marks & Spencer, Jaguar Land Rover (JRL) and Royal Mail. In the case of JLR, the as-yet-unattributed attack slowed growth in the UK economy by hitting car production.
Every public and private sector organisation needs to focus on cybersecurity in the face of such a threat, said Horne, whose agency is part of GCHQ.
“Defending against that means every organisation embedding cybersecurity into their corporate mission,” he said.
“Ensuring they understand the full extent of risk they face, build defence in depth so that initial footholds by an attacker don’t result in catastrophic impact.”
Referring to a typical resolution of ransomware attacks, where organisations pay to unlock encrypted IT systems, Horne said the UK should prepare for a future where “paying their way out just isn’t an option.”
The NCSC chief echoed the warning last year from Blaise Metreweli, the chief of UK spy agency MI6, who said the country was caught in “a space between peace and war” as tensions mount with Russia.
Q&A
What are hacktivist attacks and how could they impact the UK?
Hacktivist attacks are politically motivated cyberattacks that could disrupt UK infrastructure and services, especially during conflicts.
What recent ransomware incidents have affected the UK?
Recent ransomware incidents have targeted major organizations like Marks & Spencer, Jaguar Land Rover, and Royal Mail, causing significant disruptions.
Who is Richard Horne and what is his warning about cybersecurity?
Richard Horne is the chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre, and he warns that the UK must enhance its cybersecurity measures in light of potential hacktivist threats during conflicts.
