Britain's cyber chief warns hackers armed with AI malware are 'highly likely' to strike UK critical infrastructure within two years

Richard Horne, chief of GCHQ's National Cyber Security Centre, warned on Tuesday that Russia, China and Iran are set to make routine use of AI in pursuit of their geopolitical objectives, and that the UK's defences against such attacks are 'not where it should be'. His annual State of the Cyber Nation report identifies 'preventable weaknesses' — unpatched software and poor passwords — as leaving organisations dangerously exposed at a time when AI enables attackers to locate and exploit those vulnerabilities at unprecedented speed.

Horne warned leaders who ignore the threat will face explaining 'why food isn't on the shelves, lights aren't on, businesses have gone under.'

Chinese cyber activity is named as the 'most sophisticated and sustained cyber challenge facing the UK', above Russia and Iran.

Separately, the Government announced £2.4 million to fund 75% discounts on Cyber Essentials certification for around 6,000 small firms.