Despite the Labour Party’s landslide victory in the 2024 UK general election under Sir Keir Starmer, cyber attacks remain a significant threat for the British public. Recent history has shown that government assets, healthcare providers, and private businesses have all been targeted by financially motivated cyber criminal gangs.
As Starmer begins his tenure, it is important to note that the Labour Party manifesto acknowledged the dangers posed by cyber attacks to UK infrastructure. With the UK ranking sixth in the world in terms of nominal GDP, it is an attractive target for cyber criminals. UK companies possess valuable data, making them vulnerable to theft for identity fraud, financial scams, or corporate espionage.
Given his background as a prosecutor, Starmer is likely to prioritize cracking down on financially motivated cyber crime. With the UK facing a heightened risk of ransomware attacks, the government must take decisive action to ensure that businesses are prepared for cyber incidents. This may involve legislative reforms to address cyber security challenges and encourage proactive measures such as multi-factor authentication to combat phishing attempts.
Prior to the announcement of the election date, a joint committee warned of potential ransomware attacks targeting the election and high-profile individuals. While certain legislative proposals were put on hold during the pre-election period known as purdah, including reforms to address the ransomware crisis, these issues should be revisited now that the election is over.
Starmer is likely aware of the increasing threat of state-sponsored cyber attacks targeting government entities, defense contractors, and critical sectors in the UK. As a prominent player on the global stage, the UK’s political influence and involvement in international affairs make it a prime target for cyber warfare.
With reports of Chinese state-backed cyber interference targeting British voters and senior MPs, Starmer may seek to develop cyber policies in line with his Labour Manifesto’s focus on strategic relations with Beijing. Moving forward, it will be crucial for the UK government to prioritize cyber security measures to protect against evolving cyber threats and safeguard the country’s critical infrastructure.