AI-Powered Malware 'Highly Likely' to Target UK Power Stations, Airports, and Hospitals by 2028, NCSC Warns

The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued a stark warning that AI-powered malicious software is 'highly likely' to be used in attacks on critical national infrastructure (CNI) such as power stations, airports, and hospitals by 2028. The assessment, covering the period up to 2028, highlights the growing sophistication of cyber threats as artificial intelligence becomes more accessible to malicious actors. The NCSC expects AI to enable ransomware attacks against CNI, which includes sectors like energy, transport, defence, food, health, and finance. This development underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures across essential services that millions rely on daily. As AI lowers the barrier for creating advanced malware, the UK faces a narrowing window to bolster defences and protect the systems that underpin national security and public safety. The warning serves as a call to action for both government and industry to invest in resilience before these predicted attacks materialise.