The UK estimated on Wednesday that nearly three-quarters of cyberattacks targeting its critical infrastructure are linked to hostile state actors. This assessment was presented by Richard Horne, director of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), in a speech addressing the growing digital threat.
According to the data released, the NCSC dealt with approximately 200 incidents during the year ending May 2026, involving critical infrastructure and support systems across the country. These attacks affected sensitive sectors, including energy, transportation, telecommunications, and public utilities.
Richard Horne emphasized that the majority of these cyberattacks have links to states considered hostile. Without naming specific countries, British authorities regularly refer to threats emanating from foreign powers capable of conducting sophisticated cyber operations.
These statements come amid growing concern in Western countries about the increase in cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure. Governments are investing more and more in cybersecurity to protect their essential networks from espionage, sabotage, or disruption.
The United Kingdom considers cybersecurity a major national security issue, on par with traditional defense. Authorities believe that cyberattacks can have tangible consequences on citizens' daily lives by disrupting essential services.
As threats in cyberspace continue to grow and become more complex, London is calling for increased vigilance and enhanced international cooperation to better identify and counter the actors responsible for these attacks.
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