Ransomware isn’t just an IT headache, it’s a global threat that’s shaking public services, businesses, and critical infrastructure. The UK government has now doubled down with a landmark move: banning public bodies and critical infrastructure operators from paying ransoms to cyber criminals. This marks a bold shift from reactive responses to proactive accountability, and it’s set to impact how ransomware is dealt with everywhere.
Policy headlines are good but action on the ground matters more
Announced on 22 July 2025, the new UK measures aim to remove the financial incentives that drive ransomware attacks. Public bodies are now banned from paying ransom demands, and private businesses will be required to notify the government before making any such payments. The goal? Cut off the cash flow to cybercrime gangs and make the UK a far tougher environment for threat actors to operate in. It’s a decisive move, and one supported by international allies, overdue in the eyes of many security professionals. But for all the weight of government action, resilience still starts closer to home.
You can’t outsource cyber resilience
Big announcements help set direction. But no policy will secure your endpoints, patch your systems, or educate your staff. That’s down to your own preparation and controls. Whether you’re a local authority, a school, or a private business, the message remains the same: ransomware thrives where there are blind spots. Resilience means regular patching, tested recovery plans, and knowing your vulnerabilities before someone else finds them. That’s where frameworks like Cyber Essentials become more than just a compliance checkbox, they’re a practical way to build and demonstrate good security hygiene.
What this means for your organisation
If you operate in the public sector or as part of critical national infrastructure, these new rules may soon form part of your compliance obligations. But even if you don’t, the tone is clear: payoffs to criminals are under serious scrutiny, and transparency is being baked into future regulation. The days of quietly transferring funds to get your systems back are numbered. Now’s the time to review your policies, test your response playbooks, and understand your exposure.
We’ll be watching this closely, so you don’t have to
At Evolve North, we’re keeping a close eye on how these changes unfold and what they mean for the organisations we work with. Our team is already helping clients strengthen their defences, align to Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus, and prepare for ransomware scenarios. So while policy sets the tone, we’re here to help you take meaningful action.
Read the full government announcement here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-to-lead-crackdown-on-cyber-criminals-with-ransomware-measures
Contact us to discuss ransomware and achieving Cyber Essentials on 01748 905 002, email info@evolvenorth.com or visit our page Cyber Essentials – Evolve North