NS&I Blocks Over 132,000 Suspicious Emails Amid Rising Phishing Attacks

NS&I has issued a statement after blocking 132,126 suspicious emails over three years, including a sharp increase in phishing attempts from 1,043 to 4,414 in the last year. The blocked emails included spam, phishing, and malware. Approximately 37,000 customers were previously locked out of their accounts, affecting £476 million in deposits, particularly impacting bereaved relatives. Cybersecurity experts warn that AI-generated phishing tactics are increasingly being used to exploit vulnerabilities. NS&I emphasizes its commitment to security and robust processes to protect customer data. The organization clarified that the Freedom of Information request pertained only to inbound emails, not customer correspondence.

Key Points: • NS&I blocked over 132,000 suspicious emails in three years, with phishing attempts rising sharply. • Approximately 37,000 customers were locked out of their accounts, impacting £476 million in deposits. • Experts warn that AI-generated phishing tactics are increasingly being used by cybercriminals.