UK's critical infrastructure hit by over 200 cyber incidents in a year

The UK's critical national infrastructure has been hit by more than 200 cyber incidents over the past year, with state-linked assailants behind three-quarters of the attacks, according to the state cybersecurity body. Richard Horne, the chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), said hostile states such as Russia, China and Iran were increasingly targeting systems behind the UK's key services. The NCSC's findings highlight the UK's ongoing struggle with cybersecurity threats.

The centre is part of GCHQ, the UK's intelligence, security and cyber organisation. Horne stated that the UK is in an 'ongoing contest with capable adversaries'. Horne expressed concern that the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) could add to the threat.

The use of AI by attackers could potentially make their operations more sophisticated and harder to detect. The UK government has been working to bolster the country's cybersecurity in recent years, with a focus on protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats. The NCSC has been at the forefront of these efforts, providing guidance and support to organisations across the UK.

Why this matters: The UK's critical infrastructure is a prime target for cyber attackers, and the NCSC's findings highlight the need for continued vigilance and investment in cybersecurity. The involvement of state-linked attackers in 75% of the incidents underscores the complex and evolving nature of the threat. As AI becomes more accessible, it is likely to be leveraged by both defenders and attackers, potentially leading to a new era of cybersecurity cat-and-mouse.

For developers and businesses, this means prioritising robust security measures and staying up-to-date with the latest threat intelligence. For consumers, it means being aware of the potential risks and taking steps to protect themselves online. Ultimately, the UK's cybersecurity landscape will depend on the effectiveness of its response to these emerging threats.