Today’s 2-Minute AI Brief

30 December 2025

UK AI — A daily summary of AI news most relevant to the UK.

In brief — Cybersecurity experts are increasingly engaged in ransomware negotiations to protect businesses from cyber attacks.

Why it matters

  • Ransomware attacks pose significant risks to UK businesses and institutions.
  • The rapid response to cyber incidents is crucial for minimizing damage.
  • Understanding negotiation strategies can help organizations better prepare for potential attacks.

Explainer

The rise of ransomware attacks has prompted cybersecurity firms in the UK, such as S-RM, to specialize in negotiating with hackers. These experts are often called upon when a business is under threat, and they must act quickly to prevent further damage, often referred to as "stopping the bleeding." The negotiation process involves assessing the situation, communicating with the attackers, and determining the best course of action to protect sensitive data and operations. As cyber threats evolve, the demand for skilled negotiators in this field is likely to grow, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity measures for all organizations. _(Note: Some sources may be older than 24 hours due to limited fresh coverage.)_

Sources: theguardian.com bbc.com gov.uk go.theregister.com

cybersecurity ransomware negotiations uk businesses cyber attacks