Countdown: The Top 10 UK Cyber Attacks of 2024

It’s the list that no one wants to feature on: 2024 was an anxiety-inducing time for many major UK organisations when it came to cyber vulnerabilities and hacks. Here we’ll take a look at the worst cyber security blunders in the UK in 2024.
1. Ministry of Defence Payroll Data Breach
A breach at Shared Services Connected Ltd (SSCL), a contractor for the Ministry of Defence, compromised sensitive payroll data for 272,000 current and former military personnel. Personal and financial details were leaked, sparking concerns about potential exploitation and risks to national security.
2. Transport for London (TfL) Cyber Attack
On September 1, TfL detected suspicious activity on its IT systems. Although services continued without disruption, nearly 5,000 customers’ personal and financial data were compromised.
We believe that public transport systems are increasingly attractive targets, with financially minded attackers seeking data and reward, while service disruptions are the goal for state-sponsored attacks.
3. UK Electoral Commission Breach
In March, reports revealed that the UK Electoral Commission had been hacked, allegedly by the Chinese government. The breach exposed electoral register records, impacting millions of voters and raising questions about election integrity.
In 2025, geopolitical tensions are likely to increase the rate and size of state-sponsored cyber-attacks aimed at undermining democratic systems.
4. BBC Pension Data Breach
Cybercriminals targeted the BBC’s pension system in May, leaking personal data for 25,000 current and former employees, including National Insurance numbers and pension details.
Organisations should look to improve the security of employee data and consider it on par with company financial data, as it remains a prime target for cybercriminals.
5. British Library Cyber Attack
The Rhysida ransomware gang claimed responsibility for attacking the British Library. While details remain sparse, this incident highlighted that cultural institutions are far from immune to cyber threats.
With Ransomware groups expanding their reach to less conventional targets, these headline-grabbing organisations should review and upgrade their cyber security, as they are seen as trophy targets for cybercriminals.
6. Deepfake Fraud Targeting FTSE Companies
Fraudsters used deepfake technology to impersonate CEOs of FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 companies. These AI-generated videos and voice clones were used to trick employees into making fraudulent transfers, primarily via WhatsApp.
The rise of deepfake technology poses a novel challenge to corporate security; rather than being intellectually outwitted, these attacks look to deceive the human senses – they require advanced verification protocols and user awareness training to defeat.
7. Pro-Russian DDoS Attacks on UK Councils
The pro-Russian group NoName057(16) disrupted local council services in October through Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks. These politically motivated actions underscored the persistent threat of hacktivism.
The underfunding of local governments is like a red rag to a bull when it comes to cybercrime. The UK government must invest in mitigation strategies to ensure the continued operation of key public services. Failing to do so could fuel distrust in the government’s ability to protect UK citizens.
8. NHS Cyber Attack by Qilin
In June, Russian cybercriminal group Qilin targeted the NHS, causing disruptions in blood testing and transfusions. Patient data was also compromised; Qilin shared almost 400GB of the private information on the dark web.
Healthcare systems are life-critical infrastructures, making them prime targets for ransomware. Healthcare systems are life-critical infrastructures, making them prime targets for ransomware. By disrupting critical services reputation, they aim to erode public trust.
9. Microsoft DDoS Attack
A global DDoS attack on Microsoft in July disrupted services for airports like Heathrow and several UK banks. The incident caused operational and financial losses, underscoring the fragility of digital infrastructure.
It seems even tech giants aren’t immune to attacks, making contingency planning crucial for businesses reliant on third-party IT services and public cloud. Businesses should consider moving key data and systems from the public to a private cloud setup.
10. Chinese Cyber Espionage Campaigns
Attributed Chinese state-sponsored hackers such as APT31, linked to Chinas MSS, intensified efforts to breach critical UK infrastructure and political entities throughout 2024. These sophisticated campaigns aimed to steal sensitive information and potentially disrupt vital systems such as the energy and telecoms sectors, as well as both the private and public sectors, and there was a huge uptick in phishing campaigns.
China proves it is both increasingly determined and growing in sophistication when it comes to its cyber attacks on the UK. The UK government must tread a difficult line in a world that is becoming less predictable, balancing politics and cyber defence from Chinese-backed hacks.
The Trustco view for 2025:
Cybersecurity threats are evolving at an unprecedented pace. By learning from these high-profile incidents, we can better prepare for the challenges of 2025 and beyond.
Key lessons to learn for 2025:
- Enhanced vigilance: Organisations must prioritise regular audits of their cybersecurity frameworks, particularly those handling sensitive or large-scale data.
- AI and deepfake mitigation: Advanced fraud detection measures, such as biometric verification, are vital in combating AI-enabled scams.
- National security awareness: Governments and contractors must address vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure to prevent nation-state attacks.
- Public education: Raising awareness about phishing, ransomware, and other common attack vectors can empower individuals to better protect themselves.
Trustco can help! We partner with some of the world’s best technology companies. This allows us to design cyber security strategies for organisations of all sizes. Get in touch today to discuss your cyber plans for 2025.
Latest posts
Immutable Backups: Your Best Defence Against Ransomware

Countdown: The Top 10 UK Cyber Attacks of 2024

The Importance of Secure Data Destruction in IT Asset Disposal

Trustco’s Chosen Christmas Charities for 2024

ISO 27001 for Small Businesses: How to Meet Cyber Security Requirements
