Cyber-attacks rise by 50% in past year, UK security agency says

The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has reported a significant rise in cyber-attacks, with a 50% increase in "highly significant" incidents over the past year. Officials warn that the increased reliance on technology has made society more vulnerable to threats such as ransomware. The NCSC is now dealing with a new nationally significant attack more than every other day, underscoring the growing threat. In response, national security officials and ministers are calling on all organizations, from small businesses to large employers, to develop contingency plans in case their IT infrastructure is compromised and their systems go offline. The report serves as a "call to arms" for organizations to take proactive measures to enhance their cybersecurity and be prepared for the eventuality of a major cyber-attack, which has become an increasingly pressing concern for the UK's security landscape.