AI Threats to UK Critical Infrastructure Likely by 2028, NCSC Warns
NCSC warns AI-driven ransomware could target UK power stations, airports and hospitals by 2028 as state and criminal hackers ramp up cyber threats.
POLICY WIRE — London, United Kingdom — The National Cyber Security Centre has warned that artificial‑intelligence tools are \highly likely\ to be deployed in ransomware attacks against Britain’s critical national infrastructure by 2028.
The warning follows an unprecedented surge in cyber incidents, with the agency noting that AI is already \helping to industrialise cyber attacks\ and could soon automate assaults on power grids, airports and hospitals.
Both criminal groups and foreign intelligence services, notably China and Russia, are reported to be integrating AI into their hacking arsenals, raising the probability of sophisticated breaches across essential services.
According to the NCSC’s annual report, AI‑driven malware is expected to feature prominently in future ransomware campaigns targeting the United Kingdom’s energy, transport and health sectors.
The centre’s head cautioned that the era of \tech on the cheap\ at the expense of security is ending, urging organisations to upgrade defenses before the projected 2028 timeline.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
