The number of cyber attack victims will likely rise along with a growing demand for so called “hackers for hire”, UK experts have cautioned.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – a part of GCHQ – has released a new report warning 1,000s of people are almost certainly already being targeted yearly through the “irresponsible use of spyware.”
Commercial Cyber Tools
The proliferation of commercial cyber tools is set to lead to an increased threat to individuals & organisations worldwide, it warns.
The spread in spyware, hackers for hire & other cyber capabilities are already lowering the barrier to entry for state & non-state players, the report continued.
Intrusion Software
It highlights the purchase of intrusion software by more than 80 countries over the past 10 years.
Some countries have almost certainly used this irresponsibly to target journalists, human rights activists, political dissidents & opponents & foreign govt. officials, the report outlined.
Jonathon Ellison, NCSC Director of Resilience & Future Tech, warned: ”Over the next 5 years, the proliferation of cyber tools & services will have a profound impact on the threat landscape, as more state & non-state actors obtain capabilities & intelligence not previously available to them.“
Less Predictable
“Our new assessment highlights that the threat will not only become greater but also less predictable as more hackers for hire are tasked with going after a wider range of targets & off-the-shelf products & exploits lower the barrier to entry for all.
“To maintain safety in cyberspace it is crucial these capabilities are managed with a responsible, proportionate & legally sound approach and working with international partners, the UK is determined to address this rising challenge.”
To deal with the threat from proliferation, the report suggests the commercial intrusion sector would benefit from a ‘joined-up approach’ to international oversight over the next 5 years.
CyberUK 2023, Belfast
Its publication came to coincide with CyberUK 2023, the UK’s flagship cyber security event, which took place last week in Belfast.
A panel of experts discussed the rise in commercially available spyware during a plenary session.
Speakers at the event included NCSC Chief Executive Lindy Cameron & Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster & now Deputy PM Oliver Dowden.
