Bert Kondruss, KonBriefing Research, Germany
May 13, 2025
This website provides a detailed overview of reported cyberattacks in the United Kingdom in the 1st half of 2024. The incidents are listed chronologically, including the date, the affected company or organization, and the location. The information is based on official statements from the companies as well as reports from newspapers and industry publications. However, since only a fraction of incidents are publicly reported, the actual number of successful cyberattacks is likely to be significantly higher.
The Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man are included here.

Cyber incident overview United Kingdom

Cyberattacks United Kingdom 1st half of 2024
Image usable under the license Creative Commons BY 4.0 (Attribution: KonBriefing Research)
 
Diagram in high resolution (License: Creative Commons BY 4.0):
 

Which companies were affected by a cyber attack?

 
#DateCityStateCompanyTypeStichworte
1January 2024 ?BirminghamLaw firmEngland, UK, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Justice, Legal,United Kingdom,Gateley
2January 2024PooleCosmetics supplierEngland, UK, Dorset, United Kingdom,Consumer goods,Lush UK&I
3January 2024CanterburyLocal governmentEngland, UK, Kent, Administration, Authority, Government, Public sector,United Kingdom,City administration, City government, municipality, town hall,Canterbury City Council
4January 2024DoverLocal governmentEngland, UK, Kent, Administration, Authority, Government, Public sector,United Kingdom,Dover District Council
5January 2024MargateLocal governmentEngland, UK, Kent, United Kingdom,Administration, Authority, Government, Public sector,Thanet District Council
6January 20, 2024East GrinsteadAutomobile associationEngland, UK, West Sussex, Transportation,Automobile, Automotive, Cars,United Kingdom,Caravan and Motorhome Club
7January 2024 ?WorthingWater utilityEngland, UK, West Sussex, Disposal, Utility,United Kingdom,Southern Water Services
8February 19, 2024CambridgeUniversityEngland, UK, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom,College, University, Research,University of Cambridge
9February 20, 2024WolverhamptonUniversityEngland, UK, Staffordshire, College, University, Research,United Kingdom,University of Wolverhampton
102024 ?LondonRetail chainUK, Retail,United Kingdom,Pepco Group
11February 2024 ?CheddarSchoolEngland, UK, Somerset, United Kingdom,Kings Academy
12March 7, 2024LeicesterCity governmentEngland, UK, Leicestershire, United Kingdom,Administration, Authority, Government, Public sector,City administration, City government, municipality, town hall,Leicester City Council
13March 15, 2024DumfriesHealth serviceScotland, UK, Dumfries and Galloway, Healthcare,United Kingdom,NHS Dumfries & Galloway
14March 2024LondonLabor unionUK, United Kingdom,Communications Workers Union (CWU)
15March 22, 2024High WycombeSchoolUK, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom,Cressex Community School
16March 2024LondonStreet newspaperUK, Welfare, Social,United Kingdom,The Big Issue
17March 28, 2024LondonLabor union umbrella bodyUK, United Kingdom,TUC
18March 2024EnderbySchoolEngland, UK, Leicestershire, United Kingdom,Brockington College
19April 2024 ?LondonSchoolUK, United Kingdom,Saint Cecilia’s Church of England School
20April 2024CoalvilleMedical equipment supplierEngland, UK, Leicestershire, Healthcare,United Kingdom,NRS Healthcare
21April 2024DissVeterinary services providerEngland, UK, Norfolk, United Kingdom
222024LondonLabor unionUK, United Kingdom,Aslef
23April 18, 2024Purfleet-on-ThamesRetail chainEngland, UK, Essex, United Kingdom,Retail,Carpetright
242024LondonMinistry of DefenseUK, United Kingdom,Armed Forces, Military,Administration, Authority, Government, Public sector,UK Ministry of Defence
25May 9, 2024LondonAuction houseUK, United Kingdom,Christie's
26May 12, 2024NewportNewspaperWales, UK, United Kingdom,Newsquest Media Group
27May 21, 2024LondonPension planUK, Finance, Money,United Kingdom,BBC Pension Scheme
28May 29, 2024EdinburghCollegeScotland, UK, United Kingdom,Fettes College
29May 2024 ?LondonOil and gas producerUK, United Kingdom,Energy supply, power plants, power supply,Shell
30June 3, 2024LondonService provider for the healthcare sectorUK, United Kingdom,Healthcare,Synnovis
31June 2024CambridgeAcademic Publishing companyEngland, UK, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom,College, University, Research,Cambridge University Press & Assessment (CUPA)
32June 2024LeicesterShoe retail companyEngland, UK, Leicestershire, Clothing, Fashion,United Kingdom,Retail,Shoe Zone

Cyber attacks statistics

By month

Cyberattacks United Kingdom 1st half of 2024 by month
Image usable under the license Creative Commons BY 4.0 (Attribution: KonBriefing Research)
 
Diagram in high resolution (License: Creative Commons BY 4.0):
 

By industry

Cyberattacks United Kingdom 1st half of 2024 by industry
Image usable under the license Creative Commons BY 4.0 (Attribution: KonBriefing Research)
 
Diagram in high resolution (License: Creative Commons BY 4.0):
 

Notes

  • The statistics are based on the known incidents listed here.
  • Since only some of the cases become known, the evaluations are not representative.
  • Industries where incidents are immediately visible due to public access (e.g. healthcare) are more represented than others.
  • An incident may be assigned to multiple countries or industries. Also, a country cannot always be assigned. So the totals shown on the charts may be different.
  • The graphics marked in this way may be reused according to the license Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 / CC BY 4.0, also for commercial purposes (Attribution: KonBriefing Research).
More statistics:
Cyberattacks, Hacker attacks, Ransomware attacks

Details, examples and sources

Flag UKJanuary 2024 ?
Cyber incident at a water utility in the United Kingdom
Southern Water Services - Worthing, England, United Kingdom
https://www.southernwater.co.uk/the-news...
Flag UKFebruary 19, 2024
DDoS attack on a university in the United Kingdom
University of Cambridge - Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
https://www.varsity.co.uk/news/27131
Flag UKFebruary 20, 2024
Cyber attack on a university in the United Kingdom
University of Wolverhampton - Wolverhampton, England, United Kingdom
https://www.computing.co.uk/news/4178362...
Flag UKFebruary 2024 ?
Cyber attack on a school in the United Kingdom
Kings Academy - Cheddar, England, United Kingdom
https://www.kowessex.co.uk/wp-content/up...
Flag UKMarch 15, 2024
Cyber attack on a health service in Scotland
NHS Dumfries & Galloway - Dumfries, Scotland, United Kingdom
https://www.facebook.com/NHSDG/posts/pfb...
Flag UKApril 2024 ?
Cyber attack on a school in London
Saint Cecilia’s Church of England School - London, United Kingdom
https://www.saintcecilias.london/
Flag UKApril 2024
Cyber attack on a veterinary services provider
Diss, England, United Kingdom
https://polaris.brighterir.com/public/cv...
Flag UKJune 2024
Cyber attack on an academic publishing company in the United Kingdom
Cambridge University Press & Assessment (CUPA) - Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
https://www.varsity.co.uk/news/27854
Flag UKJune 2024
Cyber attack on a shoe retail company in the United Kingdom
Shoe Zone - Leicester, England, United Kingdom
https://fashionunited.uk/news/business/s...

Cybersecurity in the United Kingdom: How GRC Software Helps Organisations Defend Against Digital Threats

Cyber attacks are among the greatest business risks facing organisations in the United Kingdom. Companies are under growing pressure, not only from increasingly sophisticated attackers, but also from a tightening regulatory landscape shaped by the UK Data Protection Act, the Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations, and sector-specific requirements. In this complex environment, GRC software (Governance, Risk & Compliance) has become an essential tool. It brings together security and compliance functions into a single, integrated platform that enables organisations to systematically protect themselves against cyber risks.

Risk Management

Effectively identifying, assessing and managing cyber risks is a cornerstone of any security strategy. GRC software supports UK organisations in implementing frameworks such as the UK Government's Orange Book, ISO 31000, or the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Automated risk assessments and risk registers help identify and prioritise vulnerabilities early on.

Internal Control System (ICS)

A functioning internal control system ensures that defined security measures are consistently implemented. Many UK businesses align with COSO or COBIT to structure their control environments. GRC software enables the documentation, testing and real-time monitoring of controls, ensuring transparency and audit readiness at all times.

Information Security Management System (ISMS)

An ISMS based on ISO/IEC 27001 is widely adopted in the UK, particularly in highly regulated sectors such as finance and critical infrastructure. GRC software provides structured support for the implementation and continuous improvement of an ISMS, covering areas such as risk treatment, control management, and audit preparation.

Data Protection

Since leaving the EU, the United Kingdom has operated under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018, which mirror the EU GDPR with some national adjustments. GRC software assists in maintaining records of processing activities, conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), and managing breach notifications to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

Third-Party Management

Suppliers and external partners can pose significant cybersecurity risks. GRC software simplifies due diligence, contract management and ongoing monitoring of third parties. Relevant standards include ISO/IEC 27036, as well as sector-specific guidance such as the FCA's outsourcing requirements for financial services firms.

Business Continuity Management (BCM)

Cyber incidents such as ransomware attacks can severely disrupt operations. Effective BCM, based on ISO 22301 or the UK Government Resilience Framework, is therefore critical. GRC software helps develop, document and maintain business continuity and disaster recovery plans, including regular testing and business impact assessments.

Crisis Management

In the event of a major incident, rapid and coordinated action is vital. GRC software enables organisations to define escalation procedures, assign responsibilities and manage crisis communications effectively. Frameworks such as ISO 22361 and best practices from the National Preparedness Commission serve as helpful guides.

Compliance

Cybersecurity and information governance requirements continue to evolve in the UK. From the UK NIS Regulations for operators of essential services, to FCA and PRA rules in the financial sector, organisations face complex obligations. GRC software helps manage these requirements systematically and ensures compliance is documented and verifiable.

Audit Management

Audits, both internal and external, are vital for verifying the effectiveness of security and compliance measures. GRC software supports the planning, execution and follow-up of audits, with clear tracking of findings and corrective actions. Standards such as ISO/IEC 19011 and 27007 provide structure for audit processes.
Cybersecurity in the United Kingdom requires an integrated, compliant approach that goes beyond technical controls. GRC software provides a central platform for managing all critical disciplines - risk, compliance, data protection, continuity and more. It enhances visibility, reduces risk exposure, and strengthens the digital resilience of UK organisations in a structured, transparent and regulatory-aligned manner.

About KonBriefing Research

KonBriefing Research is an independent researcher and analyst, specialized in software for information security, risk management and compliance. The company was founded in 2019 and is based in Germany.
One of the main focuses is the market analysis of tools for information security management systems (ISMS tools) in accordance with ISO 27001.

About the author

Bert Kondruss
Author:
Bert Kondruss
Founder and managing director of KonBriefing Research,
a GRC Software analyst company
Germany

Cyber attacks worldwide

Cyber attacks worldwide
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