The UK government has launched a public consultation to explore measures aimed at countering ransomware attacks, including a potential ban on payments to cybercriminals by operators of critical national infrastructure (CNI). 

The Home Office released the proposal on Jan. 14, outlining a "targeted ban" that would expand existing restrictions on ransomware payments to include public sector bodies and key infrastructure sectors, such as energy, healthcare, and local councils.

Ransomware attacks, which involve malicious software that blocks access to IT systems or threatens the publication of sensitive data unless a ransom is paid, have become a significant threat to individuals, businesses, and public institutions. Payments are typically demanded in cryptocurrency, enabling anonymity for attackers and making these crimes challenging to trace.

The Home Office’s proposal aims to achieve several objectives. It seeks to curtail the flow of funds to ransomware groups, thereby disincentivizing attacks on UK-based organizations. 

By increasing incident reporting and analyzing the ransomware payment landscape, law enforcement agencies hope to gain a better understanding of criminal activities and improve their ability to disrupt ransomware networks. 

The proposal also aims to provide a clearer picture of ransomware threats, supporting future legislative and operational interventions, including international collaboration.

The suggested legislation builds upon the current prohibition on government departments paying ransoms to attackers. The proposed expansion would include a ban on payments by public sector entities and operators of CNI, sectors that are often targeted by cybercriminals due to their critical importance. 

The Home Office argues that restricting payments will discourage criminals by reducing their financial incentives while protecting the most vulnerable sectors from economic and operational harm caused by ransomware.

The government is inviting responses to the proposal as part of a consultation period that runs until 5 pm on April 8. Stakeholders, including businesses, cybersecurity experts, and members of the public, are encouraged to provide input. Submissions can be made online or via email.

Ransomware attacks have surged in recent years, targeting organizations of all sizes and across various industries. In many cases, victims face significant operational disruptions or data breaches, leading to financial and reputational damage. Experts suggest that better intelligence sharing, robust reporting mechanisms, and clear legal frameworks are essential to tackling the growing menace.