The British government recently announced plans to prohibit public sector organizations and critical infrastructure operators from paying ransoms to cybercriminals. This marks a significant shift in the nation’s approach to combatting ransomware attacks that have disrupted essential services. The measures presented also include plans for mandatory reporting requirements. In this guest article, NCC Group senior advisor and director, security, Tim Rawlins discusses the unintended consequences of a ransomware payment ban, offers practical cyber resilience steps for companies and suggests alternative steps the U.K. government should be taking to design future-proof solutions for combatting ransomware threats. See “Navigating Ransomware’s Challenges” (May 1, 2024).