‘Government has a strong position against paying ransoms to cybercriminals’ – Priti Patel

Home secretary tells conference that complying with demands will only encourage criminals

Credit: Keith Hall/CC BY 2.0     Image has been edited

Home secretary Priti Patel has outlined the government’s steadfast opposition to paying ransom to cybercriminals.

In a speech given to last week’s CyberUK conference, hosted by the National Cyber Security Centre, Patel told attendees that the intelligence agency’s recent annual report “sets out that ransomware incidents handled by the centre have been increasing”.

“Cybercriminals have increasingly focused on companies and organisations, taking the time to research their target so they can maximise their chances of releasing higher sums of money through extortion,” she said. “In the face of such complex and often inter-linked threats, it is crucial that we join ourselves up, and have a clear and effective response so that our citizens and businesses are safe and can operate safely and securely online.”

Such a response should begin from the position of not ceding to criminals’ demands, according to the home secretary, who said that doing so is only likely to amplify the problem of ransomware in the long run.


Related content


“Government has a strong position against paying ransoms to criminals, including when targeted by ransomware,” she said. “Paying a ransom in response to ransomware does not guarantee a successful outcome. It will not protect networks from future attacks, nor will it prevent the possibility of future data leaks. In fact, paying a ransom is likely to encourage criminals to continue to use this approach.”

Patel’s comments came just a couple of days before the Irish Health Service Executive was hit with a major ransomware attack that necessitated the shutdown of all its IT systems – including the platform used to book coronavirus tests. 

Many non-urgent appointments were delayed or cancelled and, five days on from the initial incursion, the HSE’s website still advises patients that “many x-ray appointments” are still unable to take place.

The incident is redolent of the 2017 WannaCry attack, which – although not directly targeted at the NHS – wrought a huge impact on health services across the UK.

Despite its seeming severity, WannaCry was only classed as a category-two cyberattack, denoting a “highly significant incident”.  The UK has yet to suffer a category-one attack, which the NCSC characterises as a “national cyber emergency”. 

Its classification system defines it as: “A cyberattack which causes sustained disruption of UK essential services or affects UK national security, leading to severe economic or social consequences or to loss of life.”

The cyber agency has repeatedly warned in the past that the UK suffering such an attack is an inevitability.

In her speech, Patel said that the growing cyberthreat “impacts how we guard our own national security and brings new challenges while highlighting new threats, often exposing many new gaps that we have to close”.

She indicated that, in addition to bolstering its defences, the UK may also seek to actively interfere with the cyber activities of its foes.

“Cyber is now a core component of our homeland security mission, with effective cyber defences critical to making the UK a responsible cyber power, as set out in our recently published Integrated Review,” she said. “We are taking a new, comprehensive approach to strengthen our position as a democratic cyber power – protecting and promoting our interests in cyberspace, while also detecting, disrupting and deterring our adversaries.”

 

Sam Trendall

Learn More →

102 thoughts on “‘Government has a strong position against paying ransoms to cybercriminals’ – Priti Patel

  1. Jorgedak January 22, 2025 at 10:09 am

    Mexican Easy Pharm: Mexican Easy Pharm – mexico pharmacies prescription drugs

  2. Rodneyicems January 24, 2025 at 6:35 am

    mexico pharmacies prescription drugs https://mexicaneasypharm.com/# buying prescription drugs in mexico online
    mexico drug stores pharmacies

  3. Albertruith January 24, 2025 at 10:04 am

    https://predpharm.com/# Pred Pharm
    prescription prednisone cost

  4. Albertruith January 24, 2025 at 2:49 pm

    https://kamapharm.com/# Kama Pharm
    prednisone 20mg by mail order

  5. Albertruith January 24, 2025 at 7:46 pm

    https://cytpharm.shop/# cytotec abortion pill
    prednisone steroids

  6. Albertruith January 25, 2025 at 12:56 am

    http://cytpharm.com/# cytotec buy online usa
    medicine prednisone 5mg

  7. Albertruith January 25, 2025 at 3:40 pm

    https://cytpharm.shop/# Cyt Pharm
    purchase prednisone 10mg

  8. Albertruith January 25, 2025 at 11:48 pm

    https://predpharm.com/# Pred Pharm
    prednisone 20 mg without prescription

  9. Albertruith January 26, 2025 at 7:30 am

    http://kamapharm.com/# Kama Pharm
    prednisone pak

  10. Albertruith January 26, 2025 at 2:53 pm

    http://cytpharm.com/# Cyt Pharm
    prednisone over the counter south africa

  11. Albertruith January 26, 2025 at 10:16 pm

    https://dappharm.shop/# dapoxetine price
    prednisone buying

  12. Albertruith January 27, 2025 at 5:17 am

    https://cytpharm.shop/# buy cytotec online
    where can i buy prednisone

  13. Albertruith January 27, 2025 at 12:32 pm

    https://cytpharm.com/# buy cytotec online
    prednisone 20mg online pharmacy

  14. Albertruith January 27, 2025 at 6:27 pm

    https://predpharm.com/# Pred Pharm
    prednisone 10 tablet

  15. Albertruith January 27, 2025 at 11:52 pm

    https://kamapharm.shop/# Kama Pharm
    prednisone price canada

  16. MichaelVon January 28, 2025 at 9:01 am

    https://farmatadalitaly.shop/# migliori farmacie online 2024
    migliori farmacie online 2024

  17. MichaelVon January 28, 2025 at 6:40 pm

    https://farmabrufen.shop/# BRUFEN prezzo
    migliori farmacie online 2024

  18. MichaelVon January 28, 2025 at 11:30 pm

    https://farmasilditaly.shop/# viagra online spedizione gratuita
    п»їFarmacia online migliore

  19. MichaelVon January 29, 2025 at 4:06 am

    https://farmabrufen.shop/# Ibuprofene 600 prezzo senza ricetta
    Farmacie on line spedizione gratuita

  20. Nathangat January 31, 2025 at 4:04 am

    Farmacie online sicure BRUFEN prezzo Farmacia online piГ№ conveniente

  21. Patrickbeisa January 31, 2025 at 7:28 am

    La pasiГіn por el juego une a personas.: winchile – winchile casino

  22. WilliamTraix January 31, 2025 at 8:00 am

    The Philippines has a vibrant nightlife scene. http://taya365.art/# Gambling regulations are strictly enforced in casinos.

  23. LannyRinly January 31, 2025 at 9:13 am

    Los bonos de bienvenida son generosos.: jugabet.xyz – jugabet casino

  24. Josephbycle January 31, 2025 at 11:43 am

    phtaya login phtaya The ambiance is designed to excite players.

  25. Patrickbeisa January 31, 2025 at 12:27 pm

    Casino visits are a popular tourist attraction.: taya777 app – taya777 register login

  26. WilliamTraix January 31, 2025 at 1:02 pm

    Slot tournaments create friendly competitions among players. https://phtaya.tech/# Most casinos offer convenient transportation options.

  27. LannyRinly January 31, 2025 at 2:09 pm

    Many casinos host charity events and fundraisers.: phmacao club – phmacao

  28. WilliamTraix January 31, 2025 at 5:57 pm

    Gambling regulations are strictly enforced in casinos. http://taya777.icu/# Gambling regulations are strictly enforced in casinos.

  29. LannyRinly January 31, 2025 at 7:01 pm

    The poker community is very active here.: phtaya.tech – phtaya

  30. Josephbycle January 31, 2025 at 8:12 pm

    winchile winchile.pro La historia del juego en Chile es rica.

  31. Patrickbeisa January 31, 2025 at 10:11 pm

    The gaming floors are always bustling with excitement.: phmacao com – phmacao.life

  32. WilliamTraix January 31, 2025 at 10:43 pm

    Entertainment shows are common in casinos. https://taya777.icu/# The casino scene is constantly evolving.

  33. LannyRinly January 31, 2025 at 11:40 pm

    The casino scene is constantly evolving.: phtaya – phtaya casino

  34. Patrickbeisa February 1, 2025 at 2:47 am

    Entertainment shows are common in casinos.: taya365.art – taya365.art

  35. WilliamTraix February 1, 2025 at 3:23 am

    Many casinos offer luxurious amenities and services. https://phmacao.life/# Manila is home to many large casinos.

  36. LannyRinly February 1, 2025 at 4:15 am

    Many casinos provide shuttle services for guests.: taya365 – taya365 login

  37. Josephbycle February 1, 2025 at 4:17 am

    phmacao phmacao club Casinos often host special holiday promotions.

  38. WilliamTraix February 1, 2025 at 8:05 am

    Manila is home to many large casinos. http://phmacao.life/# Live music events often accompany gaming nights.

  39. LannyRinly February 1, 2025 at 8:52 am

    Casinos often host special holiday promotions.: taya777 register login – taya777 app

  40. Patrickbeisa February 1, 2025 at 12:15 pm

    La ruleta es un juego emocionante aquГ­.: win chile – winchile casino

  41. Josephbycle February 1, 2025 at 12:19 pm

    taya777 register login taya777 app The casino industry supports local economies significantly.

  42. WilliamTraix February 1, 2025 at 12:52 pm

    Players enjoy a variety of table games. http://jugabet.xyz/# Los juegos de mesa son clГЎsicos eternos.

  43. LannyRinly February 1, 2025 at 1:36 pm

    Las redes sociales promocionan eventos de casinos.: jugabet – jugabet.xyz

  44. Patrickbeisa February 1, 2025 at 4:59 pm

    Los juegos en vivo ofrecen emociГіn adicional.: jugabet – jugabet chile

  45. WilliamTraix February 1, 2025 at 5:39 pm

    Game rules can vary between casinos. https://winchile.pro/# Hay casinos en Santiago y ViГ±a del Mar.

  46. LannyRinly February 1, 2025 at 6:20 pm

    The casino atmosphere is thrilling and energetic.: taya365 – taya365

  47. Josephbycle February 1, 2025 at 8:26 pm

    phtaya login phtaya login Casinos offer delicious dining options on-site.

  48. Patrickbeisa February 1, 2025 at 9:50 pm

    La mГєsica acompaГ±a la experiencia de juego.: winchile – winchile casino

  49. WilliamTraix February 1, 2025 at 10:28 pm

    Loyalty programs reward regular customers generously. https://taya365.art/# The casino scene is constantly evolving.

  50. LannyRinly February 1, 2025 at 11:06 pm

    Las mГЎquinas tienen diferentes niveles de apuesta.: win chile – winchile casino

  51. WilliamTraix February 2, 2025 at 3:22 am

    Slot machines feature various exciting themes. https://winchile.pro/# Es comГєn ver jugadores sociales en mesas.

  52. LannyRinly February 2, 2025 at 4:07 am

    Responsible gaming initiatives are promoted actively.: taya365 com login – taya365 login

  53. Josephbycle February 2, 2025 at 5:24 am

    win chile win chile Los pagos son rГЎpidos y seguros.

  54. Patrickbeisa February 2, 2025 at 8:21 am

    Players often share tips and strategies.: phmacao.life – phmacao com

  55. LannyRinly February 2, 2025 at 9:14 am

    Many casinos host charity events and fundraisers.: phmacao com login – phmacao com

  56. LannyRinly February 2, 2025 at 2:12 pm

    Los casinos organizan eventos especiales regularmente.: winchile casino – winchile.pro

  57. Josephbycle February 2, 2025 at 3:33 pm

    jugabet casino jugabet casino Las tragamonedas ofrecen grandes premios.

  58. LannyRinly February 2, 2025 at 7:04 pm

    Los bonos de bienvenida son generosos.: win chile – win chile

  59. LannyRinly February 3, 2025 at 12:08 am

    Many casinos host charity events and fundraisers.: phmacao com login – phmacao club

  60. Patrickbeisa February 3, 2025 at 12:24 am

    Los jugadores pueden disfrutar desde casa.: winchile.pro – winchile casino

  61. Josephbycle February 3, 2025 at 1:34 am

    taya365 com login taya365.art The Philippines has several world-class integrated resorts.

  62. LannyRinly February 3, 2025 at 5:16 am

    A variety of gaming options cater to everyone.: taya777.icu – taya777 register login

  63. WilliamTraix February 3, 2025 at 8:54 am

    Live dealer games enhance the casino experience. http://winchile.pro/# La mayorГ­a acepta monedas locales y extranjeras.

  64. LannyRinly February 3, 2025 at 10:32 am

    La competencia entre casinos beneficia a los jugadores.: winchile.pro – winchile

  65. Josephbycle February 3, 2025 at 11:20 am

    win chile winchile La ruleta es un juego emocionante aquГ­.

  66. LannyRinly February 3, 2025 at 3:39 pm

    Many casinos provide shuttle services for guests.: taya365.art – taya365 com login

  67. Daviddof February 3, 2025 at 3:59 pm

    http://phtaya.tech/# Gambling regulations are strictly enforced in casinos.
    п»їCasinos in the Philippines are highly popular.

  68. WilliamTraix February 3, 2025 at 7:58 pm

    Security measures ensure a safe environment. https://taya365.art/# Casinos offer delicious dining options on-site.

  69. LannyRinly February 3, 2025 at 8:39 pm

    Visitors come from around the world to play.: phmacao.life – phmacao casino

  70. Josephbycle February 3, 2025 at 9:05 pm

    phtaya login phtaya login Resorts provide both gaming and relaxation options.

  71. LannyRinly February 4, 2025 at 1:42 am

    Casinos offer delicious dining options on-site.: phtaya.tech – phtaya

  72. LannyRinly February 4, 2025 at 6:35 am

    Los casinos reciben turistas de todo el mundo.: jugabet casino – jugabet

  73. Josephbycle February 4, 2025 at 6:52 am

    phtaya casino phtaya casino Poker rooms host exciting tournaments regularly.

  74. Patrickbeisa February 4, 2025 at 8:33 am

    п»їCasinos in the Philippines are highly popular.: taya365 – taya365 com login

  75. CharlesThofs February 4, 2025 at 3:38 pm

    legit non prescription pharmacies https://megaindiapharm.com/# MegaIndiaPharm

  76. WillieBut February 4, 2025 at 3:41 pm

    canada drugs online review: canadian pharmacies – easy canadian pharm

  77. PorterveW February 4, 2025 at 6:03 pm

    discount drug mart pharmacy discount drug pharmacy discount drug mart pharmacy

  78. Davidjaf February 4, 2025 at 6:54 pm

    xxl mexican pharm: xxl mexican pharm – mexican drugstore online

  79. WillieBut February 4, 2025 at 8:30 pm

    Online pharmacy USA: Online pharmacy USA – family pharmacy

  80. CharlesThofs February 4, 2025 at 8:36 pm

    no prescription needed pharmacy https://megaindiapharm.com/# MegaIndiaPharm

  81. Davidjaf February 4, 2025 at 11:45 pm

    discount drug mart: discount drug mart – drug mart

  82. WillieBut February 5, 2025 at 1:20 am

    us pharmacy no prescription: canadian pharmacy coupon – offshore pharmacy no prescription

  83. CharlesThofs February 5, 2025 at 1:33 am

    rxpharmacycoupons https://easycanadianpharm.shop/# canadian pharmacy no scripts

  84. PorterveW February 5, 2025 at 2:41 am

    discount drugs discount drug pharmacy discount drug mart

  85. Davidjaf February 5, 2025 at 5:30 am

    discount drugs: discount drug mart pharmacy – drug mart

  86. CharlesThofs February 5, 2025 at 7:26 am

    cheapest prescription pharmacy https://megaindiapharm.shop/# online pharmacy india

  87. WillieBut February 5, 2025 at 12:57 pm

    discount drug mart: drug mart – discount drug pharmacy

  88. CharlesThofs February 5, 2025 at 1:25 pm

    us pharmacy no prescription https://easycanadianpharm.shop/# the canadian pharmacy

  89. WillieBut February 5, 2025 at 6:45 pm

    drug mart: discount drugs – discount drug pharmacy

  90. PorterveW February 6, 2025 at 12:28 am

    online shopping pharmacy india MegaIndiaPharm india pharmacy mail order

  91. CharlesThofs February 6, 2025 at 1:14 am

    buying prescription drugs from canada https://megaindiapharm.com/# MegaIndiaPharm

  92. PorterveW February 6, 2025 at 11:13 am

    discount drugs discount drug pharmacy discount drugs

  93. WillieBut February 6, 2025 at 12:22 pm

    MegaIndiaPharm: Mega India Pharm – MegaIndiaPharm

  94. CharlesThofs February 6, 2025 at 1:14 pm

    legal online pharmacy coupon code https://discountdrugmart.pro/# drug mart

  95. CharlesThofs February 6, 2025 at 7:24 pm

    online pharmacy without prescription https://discountdrugmart.pro/# drug mart

  96. WillieBut February 7, 2025 at 12:21 am

    discount drug mart: discount drugs – drug mart

  97. CharlesThofs February 7, 2025 at 1:17 am

    canadian pharmacy no prescription needed https://familypharmacy.company/# Best online pharmacy

  98. WillieBut February 7, 2025 at 5:48 am

    buying prescription drugs in mexico online: xxl mexican pharm – mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa

  99. WillieBut February 7, 2025 at 11:25 am

    Best online pharmacy: online pharmacy delivery usa – Online pharmacy USA

  100. CharlesThofs February 7, 2025 at 12:33 pm

    canadian pharmacy world coupon https://easycanadianpharm.com/# easy canadian pharm

  101. CharlesThofs February 7, 2025 at 6:24 pm

    uk pharmacy no prescription http://discountdrugmart.pro/# discount drug mart

  102. PorterveW February 7, 2025 at 7:26 pm

    canadian pharmacies best online canadian pharmacy easy canadian pharm

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *