NCSC Annual Review 2024
Page 4 of 16
Director GCHQ
The world is growing more complex, more unstable and more unpredictable. We have seen persistent aggression from Russia as it continues to wage its unjust war against Ukraine. Ongoing tensions in the Middle East are a stark reminder of the volatility across the globe, and the ever-present risk for miscalculation. And while much of this conflict is playing out on the frontlines, there’s been an increase in cyber operations against Ukraine and its allies in support of Russia’s military campaign and its wider geopolitical objectives.
Meanwhile the pace and scale of technological change shows no sign of slowing down. In everything from AI to quantum computing, there are both opportunities and challenges. New technologies transform and improve our lives, but they can also be used by malicious actors to carry out more effective cyber attacks. We must prepare for a future where these capabilities are an integral part of life and also become part of how we continue to keep the country safe.
Against this backdrop, this year’s report describes numerous examples of how the NCSC’s work has helped to keep the country safe.
The ransomware attack on Synnovis, and the impact this had on thousands of procedures and appointments across six NHS trusts, illustrates why – in our increasingly interconnected world – we must remain ahead of the threat.
The general election this summer was another significant moment for the UK’s cyber resilience. The security of the election was front and centre, and I’m proud of the NCSC’s contribution to the government’s Election Cell, which brought together experts from the security and intelligence agencies to ensure the integrity of both the campaign and the election results.
I’ve experienced first-hand the importance and impact of international collaboration, working with allies to keep us safe across cyberspace and in the real world. And at CYBERUK earlier this year in Birmingham, I saw the UK cyber community come together in a thought-provoking and energising conference. We will be heading to Manchester for CYBERUK 2025, and I’m looking forward to welcoming the brightest minds from across government, industry, academia and the intelligence community.
GCHQ’s wider skills and intelligence informs our NCSC-led cyber security mission, and vice versa. The mission ‘making the UK the safest place to live and work online’ applies not only to the NCSC, but to the whole organisation. There is huge power and potential in greater partnership, and I ask you to join us on the journey, in making this mission a reality day to day.