UK intelligence warns of AI attack on infrastructure
The gist
The UK's NCSC said it is "highly likely" AI-powered malware will hit critical national infrastructure by 2028.
The forecast flags a widening threat to power, food and other everyday services.
How it unfolded
- Nov 3, 2026The NCSC publishes its State of the Cyber Nation report, warning it is "highly likely" AI-powered malware will be used in a ransomware attack on UK critical national infrastructure between now and 2028.
- Nov 3, 2026NCSC head Richard Horne says in a launch speech there is a "real prospect of an unprecedented rise in the number of cyber incidents" in the coming months.
- Nov 3, 2026The report names China as the "most sophisticated and sustained cyber challenge facing the U.K." and says Russia and China will routinely use AI for geopolitical goals; Horne cites Russian campaigns below the threshold of armed conflict and Iranian attacks on the UK and individuals seen as threats to the Iranian regime.