The United Kingdom is currently witnessing a concerning escalation in ransomware attacks, as detailed in a recent article published by The Register. According to the UK government’s latest Cyber Security Breaches Survey, ransomware incidents have doubled in frequency, impacting around 1% of all UK organisations—approximately 19,000 businesses. This dramatic increase highlights an urgent need for robust, proactive cyber defence measures.
Insights from our senior Threat Disruption Team at UK Cyber Defence underline this trend with stark clarity. Throughout the first quarter of this year, our team has recorded a threefold increase in ransomware attack attempts targeting our clients. More worryingly, our Incident Response team has seen a sevenfold rise in call-outs to businesses severely compromised due to inadequate cybersecurity measures, resulting in successful ransomware infections.
Peter Bassill, Chief Cyber Defence Officer at UK Cyber Defence, emphasises, “The sharp rise in ransomware attacks is a clear signal that businesses cannot afford complacency. Organisations must elevate cyber defence as a strategic priority, ensuring board-level commitment and continuous, proactive security measures. Only through sustained vigilance can we effectively counteract the evolving cyber threats we face today.”
A particularly troubling observation from the survey is the inadequate engagement at the board level regarding cybersecurity issues. Many cybersecurity teams report that they lack autonomy and face continuous pressure to justify necessary investments in cyber defence. The absence of dedicated cybersecurity representation at the highest levels of organisational governance further exacerbates this vulnerability, often resulting in reactive rather than proactive approaches to cyber threats.
The increasing frequency and sophistication of ransomware attacks demand a strategic shift in organisational cybersecurity approaches. It is no longer sufficient to simply respond after an incident occurs. Businesses and organisations must adopt a forward-thinking, strategic cyber defence posture that includes comprehensive risk assessments, continuous monitoring, and robust incident response planning.
At UK Cyber Defence, we advocate for an integrated and proactive approach built around our three core pillars: Detect, Defend, and Disrupt. Our Security Operations Centre (SOC365) provides around-the-clock monitoring and immediate threat detection, ensuring threats are identified and neutralised promptly. Our penetration testing services simulate real-world cyber-attacks, allowing organisations to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen their defences before adversaries exploit these weaknesses. Furthermore, our advanced threat intelligence equips organisations with actionable insights to anticipate and mitigate emerging cyber threats effectively.
As ransomware attacks continue to surge, UK Cyber Defence remains committed to empowering organisations to enhance their resilience. We encourage business leaders to integrate cybersecurity expertise at board level, ensuring that strategic decisions adequately address the evolving cyber risk landscape. By fostering a culture of informed awareness and proactive security, we can collectively mitigate the devastating impacts of ransomware and other cyber threats.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Safeguard your organisation’s future with UK Cyber Defence—get your cyber defence today and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threats.
To learn more about strengthening your organisation’s cyber defence posture or to discuss tailored cybersecurity solutions, please contact our expert team at UK Cyber Defence.
