Iran Press/Europe: In his first major speech, Richard Horne, the new head of the UK's National Cyber Security Centre, warned that the UK's infrastructure is vulnerable to cyber attacks. He specifically mentioned that Russia could cripple the UK's power generation and distribution network, plunging the country into darkness and causing significant disruption. The National Cyber Security Centre is part of the larger UK intelligence agency, the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ).
He specifically pointed to what he described as Russia's aggressive and reckless actions, as well as China's highly digital and specialized activities, adding that adversaries aim to cause maximum disruption and damage in the UK—a claim that British officials have reiterated numerous times in recent years.
He said that cyber attacks on the UK have increased over the past 12 months. From September 1st of last year to the end of August this year, there were 430 requests for assistance from the Centre to combat cyber attacks, compared to 371 requests in the previous 12 months.
UK Cybersecurity Head Calls for Stronger Defenses
Richard Horne added that the current situation is a competition between those who use technology to enhance their lives and well-being and those who aim to exploit our digital dependency against us. He emphasized that adversaries are increasingly leveraging our reliance on technology to create maximum disruption and destruction.
He advised that defense institutions, critical infrastructure, supply networks, and the public sector, including the economy, should be better prepared to prevent cyber attacks and implement stronger measures.
Horne noted that China remains a highly advanced cyber actor with growing ambitions to project its influence beyond its borders. He added that, earlier this fall, US officials reported that hackers affiliated with the Chinese government had compromised US telecommunications networks.
Ransom Attacks Hit UK Institutions
Earlier, the Guardian reported that in recent years, besides governments, several active cyber networks have also attacked British organizations and institutions, including the British Library and London hospitals. They have demanded ransoms to return stolen information and remove their malware, causing internet disruptions and data theft.
He urged all public and private companies to consider cyber security as a fundamental base for their operations and a driver for growth.
Richard Horne stressed that cyber security should be viewed not only as a "necessity" but also as a business investment.
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