The government of the United Kingdom recently unveiled new measures designed to ban public sector bodies and operators of critical national infrastructure from paying ransom demands. This move is envisioned to help crackdown on cybercriminals and potentially save the economy millions of pounds.
Under the proposals, hospitals, businesses and critical services would not be allowed to make ransomware payments, targeting “the business model that fuels cyber criminals’ activities” and make services the public rely on less attractive for ransomware groups.
Ransomware payments are typically demanded by cybercriminals after they infiltrate computer systems and steal vital data.
Businesses not covered by the ban would be required to notify the government of any intent to pay a ransom and the government would be available to provide advice and support. It would also notify the businesses if making a payment would risk breaking the law, which would be the case if money was sent to sanctioned cybercriminal groups, many of whom are based in Russia.
As part of the stringent measures, mandatory reporting is being developed to equip law enforcement with intelligence to hunt down perpetrators and disrupt their activities.
The UK Home Office stated it had developed the measures following extensive consultations across the UK which showed strong public backing for a tougher stance on ransomware.
Dan Jarvis, security minister for the UK government said ransomware is a predatory crime and it was “determined to smash the cybercriminal business model”.
Source: Mobile World Live
Image Credit: UK Government
