According to the cybersecurity leader of the United Kingdom, the country is significantly underestimating the seriousness of online threats that are posted by hostile nations and criminal organizations.
Richard Horne, the director of GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre highlights a major increase in the incidents that are linked to Russian aggression and highly sophisticated cyber operations by China.
In his inaugural major address as the agency’s leader, Horne on Tuesday asserted that hostile activities in the cyberspace of the United Kingdom have escalated in intensity, frequency as well as sophistication from adversaries intent on causing maximum disruption and damage.
In his speech at NCSC’s headquarters in London, Horne emphasizes the aggression and recklessness of cyber activities that are coming from Russia along with noting that China also continues to be a cyber actor with the aim to extend its influence beyond its borders.
He further adds that despite these developments the seriousness of the risk the UK is confronting is being highly underestimated. An expert characterized that these remarks by Horne are like a wake-up call for businesses and public sector entities to recognize the intensity of the cyber threats the UK is facing.
Last week, Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden cautioned that Russia has ability to turn off lights for millions of people through its cyber-attack which is quite concerning.
The NCSC has also suspected that UK companies are likely being targeted by individuals from North Korea who are posing as freelance IT staff from third-world countries to generate revenue for the DPRK regime.
Cybersecurity professor Alan Wood at Surry University mentioned that the NSC is advising both private as well as public sectors not to lose their focus on the issue and take it seriously. He stated that the government is making efforts to raise the alarm however, not everyone is paying attention to it yet.
Tech Journalist
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