Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, is one of the nations behind a growing threat (Image: Getty)
The UK should be “extremely worried” about the growing threat of attacks by criminals and hostile foreign states on our computer systems, according to the nation’s head of security. Britain’s enemies have become “more aggressive”, said Vincent Devine, the Government's chief security officer. He said: “We are also now worried about the risk of disruption of essential services.”
Mr Devine, a senior official in the Cabinet Office, endorsed the findings of a National Audit Office (NAO) report that found countries including Russia , China and Iran are using “increasingly sophisticated methods to carry out malicious cyber activity”. Speaking to a committee of MPs, Mr Devine said: “We should be extremely worried. The National Audit Office sets that out very well. Over the last three years, the threat has grown and evolved. Our adversaries, both hostile states and criminals, have developed capability more rapidly than we expected.
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Sponsored
Promoted Links Promoted Links
2025's Most Realistic Bunny ToySherum Learn More
Undo
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Nigel Farage and Reform UK face challenge as ex-deputy hints at breakaway party
287 Comments
Reform UK's Nigel Farage hits back at Rupert Lowe over 'witch hunt' claim in furious row
47 Comments
Wes Streeting 'shocked and horrified' as senior aide pleads guilty to indecent exposure
76 Comments
No excuses! Expert reveals number of seats Reform UK should win at local elections
18 Comments
Richard Tice backs 'one in, one out' immigration policy amid call to halt arrivals
59 Comments
Keir Starmer faces first by-election test as ex Labour MP to resign
Comments
Local's fury at Angela Rayner's plans for ￡250 pylon payment
46 Comments
Judges defend controversial 'two-tier justice' plan for ethnic minority criminals
58 Comments
Ukraine proposes ceasefire deal with Russia amid showdown talks with US in Saudi Arabia
226 Comments
Reform membership falls for first time after Rupert Lowe expulsion
444 Comments
Keir Starmer has made one thing clear when it comes to national humiliation for Britain
137 Comments
POLL: Can Reform UK still be successful without Rupert Lowe?
87 Comments
Factory farming is undermining UK food security - new report
2 Comments
Rachel Reeves' cuts to DWP benefits will be 'catastrophic' say disability charities
19 Comments
Power Up Your TradingTradeStation Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Donald Trump backs down on major security issue amid Ukraine row: 'Russia is now winning'
67 Comments
'Open season' for Russian disinformation in Europe as the US stops cyber ops
21 Comments
Power Up Your TradingTradeStation Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
British soldiers waiting 'years' for vital kit and equipment
1 Comments
Donald Trump is making one thing clear to the world about his America
54 Comments
Power Up Your TradingTradeStation Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
'Malicious and baseless' Vladimir Putin's Russia slammed in latest UK spy row
12 Comments
Desperate Keir Starmer faces Labour rebellion over proposed welfare cuts
26 Comments
Power Up Your TradingTradeStation Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Nigel Farage and Reform UK face challenge as ex-deputy hints at breakaway party
287 Comments
Reform UK's Nigel Farage hits back at Rupert Lowe over 'witch hunt' claim in furious row
47 Comments
Three Las Vegas Banks Are Paying Record High Interest Rates - See the...SavingsPro
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Wes Streeting 'shocked and horrified' as senior aide pleads guilty to indecent exposure
76 Comments
No excuses! Expert reveals number of seats Reform UK should win at local elections
18 Comments
Three Las Vegas Banks Are Paying Record High Interest Rates - See the...SavingsPro
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Richard Tice backs 'one in, one out' immigration policy amid call to halt arrivals
59 Comments
Keir Starmer faces first by-election test as ex Labour MP to resign
Comments
Power Up Your TradingTradeStation Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Local's fury at Angela Rayner's plans for ￡250 pylon payment
46 Comments
Judges defend controversial 'two-tier justice' plan for ethnic minority criminals
58 Comments
Power Up Your TradingTradeStation Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Ukraine proposes ceasefire deal with Russia amid showdown talks with US in Saudi Arabia
226 Comments
Reform membership falls for first time after Rupert Lowe expulsion
444 Comments
Power Up Your TradingTradeStation Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Keir Starmer has made one thing clear when it comes to national humiliation for Britain
137 Comments
POLL: Can Reform UK still be successful without Rupert Lowe?
87 Comments
Power Up Your TradingTradeStation Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Factory farming is undermining UK food security - new report
2 Comments
Rachel Reeves' cuts to DWP benefits will be 'catastrophic' say disability charities
19 Comments
Donald Trump backs down on major security issue amid Ukraine row: 'Russia is now winning'
67 Comments
'Open season' for Russian disinformation in Europe as the US stops cyber ops
21 Comments
British soldiers waiting 'years' for vital kit and equipment
1 Comments
Donald Trump is making one thing clear to the world about his America
54 Comments
'Malicious and baseless' Vladimir Putin's Russia slammed in latest UK spy row
12 Comments
Desperate Keir Starmer faces Labour rebellion over proposed welfare cuts
26 Comments
Nigel Farage and Reform UK face challenge as ex-deputy hints at breakaway party
287 Comments
Reform UK's Nigel Farage hits back at Rupert Lowe over 'witch hunt' claim in furious row
47 Comments
Wes Streeting 'shocked and horrified' as senior aide pleads guilty to indecent exposure
76 Comments
No excuses! Expert reveals number of seats Reform UK should win at local elections
18 Comments
Richard Tice backs 'one in, one out' immigration policy amid call to halt arrivals
59 Comments
Keir Starmer faces first by-election test as ex Labour MP to resign
Comments
Local's fury at Angela Rayner's plans for ￡250 pylon payment
46 Comments
Don't miss...
US economy meltdown as Donald Trump's tariffs spark stock market frenzy [LATEST]
Rachel Reeves warned massive change in Spring Budget will be 'catastrophic' [LATEST]
Family of murdered MP David Amess slam Yvette Cooper over 'wall of silence' [LATEST]
UK supports sending British soldiers to Ukraine but dislikes Donald Trump [LATEST]
“Their risk appetite has changed, particularly from hostile states. They have been more aggressive, more careless in their attacks.
“And the nature of the treat has been evolving. We have been principally concerned in the past about the loss of government information, classic espionage, or about cybercrime. We are also now worried about the risk of disruption of essential services.”
The NAO report said a lack of skilled staff was holding back efforts to protect the UK, with one in three cybersecurity roles in central government either vacant or filled by temporary staff last year. In some departments, half the roles were vacant.
Sponsored
Sherum Learn More
2025's Most Realistic Bunny Toy
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Between September 2023 and August 2024, 89 cyberattacks were classed as “nationally significant”. Many of the most serious attacks targeted central and local government, health services and the police.
An attack last year on a supplier of pathology services to the NHS in south-east London led to two NHS foundation trusts postponing 10,152 acute outpatient appointments and 1,710 elective procedures.
The British Library took more than a year to recover after a ransomware attack in October 2023. Criminals stole encrypted data so it could not be accessed and demanded ￡600,000 for its return.
After the library refused, criminals released around 600GB of stolen data online.
However, many of the computer systems in government departments are old “legacy” systems and “the Government does not know how vulnerable these are to cyberattack”, said the NAO.
Don't miss...
Rachel Reeves confirms big cuts to DWP benefits to avoid 'humiliation' [LATEST]
US stock market meltdown hits UK pensions as Donald Trump's tariffs spark panic [LATEST]
Cost of school dinners to increase as councils run out of money [LATEST]
Keir Starmer plans his own Elon Musk-style DOGE in desperate bid to save cash [LATEST]
Trending
Meanwhile, efforts to recruit cybersecurity experts have stalled.
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Nigel Farage and Reform UK face challenge as ex-deputy hints at breakaway party
287 Comments
Reform UK's Nigel Farage hits back at Rupert Lowe over 'witch hunt' claim in furious row
47 Comments
Wes Streeting 'shocked and horrified' as senior aide pleads guilty to indecent exposure
76 Comments
No excuses! Expert reveals number of seats Reform UK should win at local elections
18 Comments
Richard Tice backs 'one in, one out' immigration policy amid call to halt arrivals
59 Comments
Keir Starmer faces first by-election test as ex Labour MP to resign
Comments
Local's fury at Angela Rayner's plans for ￡250 pylon payment
46 Comments
Judges defend controversial 'two-tier justice' plan for ethnic minority criminals
58 Comments
Ukraine proposes ceasefire deal with Russia amid showdown talks with US in Saudi Arabia
226 Comments
Reform membership falls for first time after Rupert Lowe expulsion
444 Comments
Keir Starmer has made one thing clear when it comes to national humiliation for Britain
137 Comments
POLL: Can Reform UK still be successful without Rupert Lowe?
87 Comments
Factory farming is undermining UK food security - new report
2 Comments
Rachel Reeves' cuts to DWP benefits will be 'catastrophic' say disability charities
19 Comments
Nevada: Say Bye to Your Expensive Car Insurance Bill if You Live in These Zip CodesOTTO Quotes Click Here
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Donald Trump backs down on major security issue amid Ukraine row: 'Russia is now winning'
67 Comments
'Open season' for Russian disinformation in Europe as the US stops cyber ops
21 Comments
Costco Shoppers Say This Wrinkle Cream is "Absolutely Worth It"Vibriance Shop Now
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
British soldiers waiting 'years' for vital kit and equipment
1 Comments
Donald Trump is making one thing clear to the world about his America
54 Comments
Three Las Vegas Banks Are Paying Record High Interest Rates - See the...SavingsPro
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
'Malicious and baseless' Vladimir Putin's Russia slammed in latest UK spy row
12 Comments
Desperate Keir Starmer faces Labour rebellion over proposed welfare cuts
26 Comments
What Does Atopic Dermatitis Look Like? (Take a Look)Atopic Dermatitis Rash
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Nigel Farage and Reform UK face challenge as ex-deputy hints at breakaway party
287 Comments
Reform UK's Nigel Farage hits back at Rupert Lowe over 'witch hunt' claim in furious row
47 Comments
This Changes Everything - Research Priv ileged Access Mangement Access Mangement | Search Ads Click Here
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Wes Streeting 'shocked and horrified' as senior aide pleads guilty to indecent exposure
76 Comments
No excuses! Expert reveals number of seats Reform UK should win at local elections
18 Comments
All New Hyundai Palisade For Seniors Simply Amazes - See The CostNew 2025 Hyundai Palisade Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Richard Tice backs 'one in, one out' immigration policy amid call to halt arrivals
59 Comments
Keir Starmer faces first by-election test as ex Labour MP to resign
Comments
Discover Effortless Glucose Monitoring: Request a Free TrialDexcom Click Here
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Local's fury at Angela Rayner's plans for ￡250 pylon payment
46 Comments
Judges defend controversial 'two-tier justice' plan for ethnic minority criminals
58 Comments
2025's Most Realistic Bunny ToySherum Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Ukraine proposes ceasefire deal with Russia amid showdown talks with US in Saudi Arabia
226 Comments
Reform membership falls for first time after Rupert Lowe expulsion
444 Comments
The Easiest Way to Get Your Passport in 2025.GovPlus Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Keir Starmer has made one thing clear when it comes to national humiliation for Britain
137 Comments
POLL: Can Reform UK still be successful without Rupert Lowe?
87 Comments
Three Las Vegas Banks Are Paying Record High Interest Rates - See the...SavingsPro
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Factory farming is undermining UK food security - new report
2 Comments
Rachel Reeves' cuts to DWP benefits will be 'catastrophic' say disability charities
19 Comments
Donald Trump backs down on major security issue amid Ukraine row: 'Russia is now winning'
67 Comments
'Open season' for Russian disinformation in Europe as the US stops cyber ops
21 Comments
British soldiers waiting 'years' for vital kit and equipment
1 Comments
Donald Trump is making one thing clear to the world about his America
54 Comments
'Malicious and baseless' Vladimir Putin's Russia slammed in latest UK spy row
12 Comments
Desperate Keir Starmer faces Labour rebellion over proposed welfare cuts
26 Comments
Nigel Farage and Reform UK face challenge as ex-deputy hints at breakaway party
287 Comments
Reform UK's Nigel Farage hits back at Rupert Lowe over 'witch hunt' claim in furious row
47 Comments
Wes Streeting 'shocked and horrified' as senior aide pleads guilty to indecent exposure
76 Comments
No excuses! Expert reveals number of seats Reform UK should win at local elections
18 Comments
Richard Tice backs 'one in, one out' immigration policy amid call to halt arrivals
59 Comments
Keir Starmer faces first by-election test as ex Labour MP to resign
Comments
Local's fury at Angela Rayner's plans for ￡250 pylon payment
46 Comments
What Does Atopic Dermatitis Look Like? (Take ...Atopic Dermatitis Rash
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
This Changes Everything - Research Privileged... Access Mangement | Search Ads
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
All New Hyundai Palisade For Seniors Simply...New 2025 Hyundai Palisade
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Discover Effortless Glucose Monitoring: Reques...Dexcom
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
The report warned: “The Government finds it difficult to recruit and retain enough people with cyber skills and to upskill its existing workforce. For more than a decade, skilled cybersecurity professionals have been in short supply and high demand nationally and globally.”
It said the Government had tried to recruit more, but efforts had only been partially successful.
“Departments reported that the salaries they can pay and civil service recruitment processes are barriers to hiring and keeping people with cyber skills,” said the report.