UK at High Risk of 'Catastrophic Ransomware Attack', Warns Parliamentary Committee

Report Criticizes Government's Handling of Cybersecurity, Calls for Greater Investment and Urges Transfer of Responsibility to Cabinet Office

Parliament's Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy (JCNSS) warns that the UK is at high risk of a 'catastrophic ransomware attack' that could bring the country to a standstill.
The report criticizes the UK government, particularly the Home Office and former home secretary Suella Braverman, for not adequately addressing ransomware threats and for lack of sufficient investment in cybersecurity.
Ransomware, a type of cyber attack where hackers lock access to data and files and demand payment for their release, has been used in several high-profile attacks, including on the NHS in 2017.
The JCNSS report suggests that responsibility for tackling ransomware should be transferred to the Cabinet Office and overseen directly by the Deputy Prime Minister.
The report also highlights the vulnerability of the UK's critical national infrastructure, particularly sectors relying on outdated IT systems, such as health and local government.