AI-powered malware likely to target UK infrastructure by 2028

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 00:26 · Archive

The National Cyber Security Centre warns that AI-powered ransomware attacks on UK critical infrastructure are highly likely between now and 2028.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, has warned that AI-powered malware is 'highly likely' to be used in a ransomware attack on UK critical national infrastructure between now and 2028. The UK's definition of critical national infrastructure covers facilities and services across energy, transport, defence, food, health and finance sectors.

Richard Horne, head of the NCSC, said hostile state actors such as Russia and China will probably increase their use of AI to carry out ransomware attacks and exploitation. He warned that the cyber threat has increased faster than defensive capabilities, leaving many organisations vulnerable to attacks that could be prevented. AI makes cyber attacks 'easier, faster and cheaper to execute, and at greater scale', he said.

The NCSC's annual State of the Cyber Nation report highlighted that cyber-security has failed to keep pace with technological advancements, with preventable vulnerabilities such as unpatched software and poor password protection evident in many organisations. AI will assist attackers in tasks such as scouting targets, locating weaknesses in IT networks and writing malicious code. Previous UK ransomware victims have included Royal Mail, outsourcing firm Capita and various public bodies.

How it is being reported

• AI 'highly likely' to be used in attack on Britain's infrastructureArtificial intelligence is "helping to industrialise cyber attacks" and is "highly likely" to be used in attacks on Britain's critical national infrastructure by 2028, the National Cybersecurity Centre (NCSC) has warned.Sky News · 3 Nov, 01:00
• UK cyber chief says the UK will face AI cyberattacks on critical infrastructure by 2028Britain’s cyber chief says the U.K. is likely to face artificial intelligence cyberattacks on its critical infrastructure by 2028Independent World · 3 Nov, 00:08
• UK could face AI-powered cyberattacks on critical infrastructure within two years, security chief warnsRichard Horne said it is 'highly likely' countries such as Russia and China will increase their use of AI to carry out ransomware attacks and exploitation.Daily Mail · 3 Nov, 00:01
• AI-powered malware ‘highly likely’ to be used to hack UK infrastructure by 2028National Cyber Security Centre expects attacks on critical facilities such as power stations, airports and hospitals AI-powered malicious software is “highly likely” to be used in hacking attacks against the UK’s power stations, airports and hospitals by 2028, according to the state cybersecurity body. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said AI will probably enable a ransomware attack against critical national infrastructure [CNI] between now and 2028. The UK’s definition of CNI covers a range of facilities and services across sectors including energy, transport, defence, food, health…The Guardian · 3 Nov, 00:01

In this story: National Cyber Security Centre · GCHQ · Russia · China · Richard Horne · Royal Mail · Capita

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