UK government proposes ban on crypto ransomware payouts
The UK government is planning to ban public sector bodies, including schools and the NHS, from paying crypto ransomware payments to cyber criminals. That’s according to a consultation launched today by the Home Office. The idea behind the move is to make these institutions unattractive targets for hackers. In addition, private companies such as utilities providers, and victims of ransomware attacks would be required to report every ransomware incident according to the new consultation. Hackers want $380K in bitcoin for Royal Family’s stolen medical records Read more: Up to 10% of Southern Water customer data stolen by bitcoin ransom group In 2021, Britain’s former cybersecurity chief said that businesses paying ransomware attackers, often in cryptocurrency, are inadvertently funding organized crime and that the situation is “ close to getting out of control .” According to today’s announcement, 13 ransomware incidents, part of the 430 cyber incidents that to...