UK to Public Sector: No More Paying Ransomware — New Ban Incoming

[AIcash]

Heads up, cyber defenders and crypto watchers — the UK is about to go full-on firewall mode with a fresh move to ban ransomware payments for its public sector and critical infrastructure. Yes, that includes energy, healthcare, and local councils.

Here’s what’s coming down the pipeline
What’s Being Banned?

The UK government wants to make it illegal for public services to pay ransomware demands — expanding on an existing rule that already blocks central government departments from paying up. Under the new proposals:

No ransoms for public sector or critical infrastructure.

Victims outside of that group? You’ll need to report if you plan to pay.

Plus, mandatory reports within 72 hours of any attack and a full analysis due within 28 days.

So, basically:
No more silent pay-offs. No more sweeping attacks under the rug.
🧠 Why It Matters

Ransomware is still the #1 cyber threat in the UK, according to the National Cyber Security Centre.
It’s not just IT teams feeling it — recent ransomware hits:

⚠️ British Library got wrecked in late 2023

🧬 Synnovis pathology labs were knocked offline in mid-2024, delaying real-life medical procedures

The government says enough is enough. Security Minister Dan Jarvis summed it up:

“We’re determined to smash the cybercriminal business model and protect the services we all rely on.”

Ransomware Is (Slightly) Down, but Still Dangerous

While Chainalysis reported a 35% drop in ransomware attacks last year, attackers are still doing damage — just shifting their methods.
According to CertiK, wallet compromises and phishing have overtaken ransomware as the top crypto-related losses in 2025. But ransomware’s still out there, and it’s disruptive.
️ What Do People Think?

The UK Home Office ran a public consultation:

73% support the ransomware payment ban

63% back the mandatory reporting rules

But… people are split on penalties

Most agree there should be consequences for breaking the rules, but opinions were mixed on civil vs. criminal penalties — no one wants to punish victims, but there’s pressure to stop rewarding attackers.
Meanwhile, Elsewhere…

🇦🇺 Australia just enforced mandatory ransomware reporting for large companies and critical infrastructure.

🇺🇸 The US is… cutting cybersecurity disclosure enforcement. Yep, House Republicans want to block the SEC from requiring companies to disclose cyberattacks within 4 days.

Different vibes across the pond, to say the least.
TL;DR:

UK to ban ransomware payments for public sector + critical infra 🚫

Mandatory reports if you get hit (and plan to pay) 📝

Most people are on board, but unclear how penalties will play out ⚖️

Ransomware still flagged as the UK’s #1 cyber threat ⚠️

Other countries taking very different approaches 🌍

This could be a game-changer for how organizations (and attackers) operate moving forward. Will banning payments actually reduce attacks? Or just force them into the private sector?

Curious to hear your takes — is this bold or a bust?