McFadden Warns: Cyberattacks Will Be More Brutal Because Of AI

British senior minister Pat McFadden, warned the language of cyberattacks because of AI (photo; x @cabinetofficeuk)

JAKARTA - British senior minister Pat McFadden on Wednesday 7 May stated that artificial intelligence (AI) growth would increase the number and sophistication of cyberattacks targeting Britain.

Over the past few years, companies, public institutions, and institutions in the UK have been the target of a wave of cyberattacks. The incident resulted in tens of millions of losses as well as operational disruptions that lasted for months.

In the last three weeks, a number of major British retailers such as Marks & Spencer (M&S), Co-op Group, and Harrods have been victims of cyber attacks. Until now, M&S has not been able to process orders for clothes online due to the incident. However, there is no official information regarding the types of attacks experienced by the three companies.

"Starting today, we are revealing intelligence results stating that AI will increase not only frequency, but also the intensity of cyberattacks in the coming years," said McFadden, who serves as Cabinet Office Minister in charge of national cybersecurity.

"The security of our system will only be maintained if it is able to follow the development of the attackers' tactics," he said while speaking at the CyberUK 2025 conference organized by the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC).

According to McFadden, in 2024, NCSC received nearly 2,000 reports of cyberattacks. Of these, nearly 90 incidents were classified as significants' and 12 others were at the "worst" level. This number is three times more than the severe attacks that occurred in the previous year.

He stressed that recent attacks on major retailers should serve as a stern warning to all parties, including the government, public sector, business world, and other organizations.

"Cyber security is not a luxury, but an absolute necessity," he stressed.

McFadden also revealed that the British government will launch a new cybersecurity strategy this year. In addition, the Draft Law on Cyber Security and Resilience Bill will authorize the government to direct organizations regulated to strengthen their cyber defenses.

Meanwhile, M&S and Co-op are widely reported to be victims of ransomware attacks, in which digital criminals infiltrate the company's computer systems, encrypt them, and then ask for a ransom for access back.

NCSC CEO Richard Horne said at a conference he wanted to see a future where ransom payments are no longer an option, and the business models of cyber attackers are no longer profitable.