Business Lincolnshire is encouraging local businesses to respond to an important Home Office consultation aimed at tackling the growing threat of ransomware. The consultation seeks input from organisations of all sizes to help shape new legislation designed to reduce ransomware attacks and support businesses in protecting their digital operations.
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that can disrupt businesses by:
- Blocking access to IT systems or severely impairing their use.
- Stealing sensitive data and threatening to publish it.
Criminals often demand payment—usually in cryptocurrency—to unlock systems, restore data, or prevent the release of confidential information.
Why Your Input Matters
The Home Office is proposing new laws to tackle ransomware with three key goals:
- To reduce the amount of money flowing to ransomware criminals from the UK, thereby deterring criminals from attacking UK organisations
- To increase the ability of operational agencies to disrupt and investigate ransomware actors by increasing our intelligence around the ransomware payment landscape
- To enhance the government’s understanding of the threats in this area to inform future interventions, including through cooperation at international level
This is an opportunity for businesses to share their views, ensuring the proposed legislation supports economic growth while addressing the challenges posed by ransomware.
How to Get Involved
The consultation is open until 8th April 2025. Businesses of all sizes are invited to participate and provide feedback. Your input will help shape laws that protect the UK economy and strengthen the resilience of organisations across all sectors.
To learn more and submit your response, visit the consultation page: Public Consultation on Ransomware.
Let’s work together to build a safer digital environment for Greater Lincolnshire, Rutland, and beyond.
