The UK’s internal affairs department is developing new regulations intended to prevent governmental bodies and crucial infrastructure providers from paying ransoms to cyber extortionists.
If enacted, the prohibition would apply to vital areas such as medical services, the power grid, and municipal administrations.
The proposed system would require private sector businesses and other unprotected victims to inform authorities if they intend to submit to ransom demands. In addition, all victims would be obligated to report intrusions within a three-day period and furnish a more comprehensive account within four weeks.
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According to Security Minister Dan Jarvis, the purpose is to disrupt the financial incentives for digital criminals and ensure continued operation of essential public amenities. He mentioned that the government intends to work collaboratively with business stakeholders to advance these adjustments.
The public consultation, which took place between January 14 and April 8, received 273 responses. Of these, 57% were from organizations, 39% were from individuals, and 4% were from other entities.
Roughly seventy-five percent of survey participants agreed with forbidding ransom payments by government institutions. Approximately twenty percent disagreed. Regarding expanding the prohibition across all industries, feedback varied, with nearly 50% in favor.
The government also solicited opinions about repercussions for infringing the mandates. The majority of responders concurred that penalties are appropriate, while several voiced worries regarding penalizing victims and whether repercussions should be classified as criminal or civil.
Ransomware is a form of disruptive software that blocks access to computer systems until the victim remits payment, typically utilizing digital currencies.
The British government recently revealed intentions to liquidate over $7 billion in seized Bitcoin
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