Technology
NCSC warns AI-powered malware likely to hit UK infrastructure by 2028
The agency's annual review also says Russia and China will routinely use AI in cyberattacks.
The short version
- The National Cyber Security Centre says AI-powered malware is highly likely to be used in hacking attacks on UK power stations, airports and hospitals by 2028.[The Guardian]
- The agency's annual review also warns that Russia and China will begin using AI routinely in cyber-attacks.[The Guardian]
- NCSC chief Richard Horne said organizations that underinvest in cybersecurity could face questions over disrupted food supplies and power.[ABC News]
- The NCSC reports that malicious cyber activity costs UK organizations almost $20 billion every year.[ABC News]
Key facts
- The NCSC says AI-powered malware is highly likely to be used in hacking attacks on UK power stations, airports and hospitals by 2028.[The Guardian]
- The NCSC's annual review warns that Russia and China will start using AI routinely in cyber-attacks.[The Guardian]
- NCSC chief Richard Horne said leaders who fail to invest in cybersecurity may have to explain disruptions to food and power supplies.[ABC News]
- The NCSC reports that malicious cyber activity costs UK organizations almost $20 billion every year.[ABC News]
What remains uncertain
- The 2028 timeline is a likelihood assessment, not a confirmed forecast of when specific attacks will occur.[The Guardian]
- Horne's warnings about the consequences of underinvestment are his own stated views rather than verified outcomes.[ABC News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- AI-powered malware ‘highly likely’ to be used to hack UK infrastructure by 2028The Guardian - World
- UK cyber chief says UK will face AI cyberattacks on critical infrastructure by 2028ABC News - International