Richard Horne

The UK's National Cyber Security Centre reported that 75% of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure are linked to hostile states. Richard Horne, NCSC head, stated 200 such incidents were handled in the year to May 2026, with Russia, China, and Iran identified as key perpetrators.

NCSC CEO Richard Horne warned that nation-state adversaries are prepositioning in Britain's critical infrastructure, with hostile states responsible for three-quarters of attacks. He emphasized that future kinetic targeting will rely on intelligence gathered today.

The UK could face large-scale hacktivist attacks if involved in a conflict, with potential impacts similar to recent ransomware incidents. Richard Horne, head of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), warned that nation states are the primary source of significant cyber threats.

The UK could face large-scale hacktivist attacks if involved in a conflict, warns Richard Horne, head of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), comparing potential impacts to recent ransomware incidents. The NCSC reports nation states as the primary source of significant cyber threats.

UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) CEO Richard Horne warns that China's state-sponsored cyberattacks are highly sophisticated and pose a significant threat, positioning China as Britain's peer competitor in cyberspace. He cautions against relying on the cheapest cybersecurity contractors to defend against such threats.