Royal Family Faces Increased Cyber Threats from Russian Hackers

Buckingham Palace is undergoing a significant cybersecurity overhaul due to escalating threats from Russian hackers. The Palace's cybersecurity budget has increased from £2.4 million in 2016-17 to £5.6 million in 2025-26, reflecting a £1.8 million rise in spending. The upgrade aims to replace 'ageing' computer systems, which have been targeted in previous attacks. Notably, the Royal Family's official website was taken offline for about 90 minutes in October 2023 by the pro-Russian hacking group KillNet. This incident was part of a broader campaign against Western institutions supporting Ukraine. Additionally, a recent NHS data breach exposed confidential files linked to royal residences. The Royal Trustees' 2026 review highlights the importance of cybersecurity amid evolving threats. The Palace has established a dedicated Security Operations Centre to enhance its defenses. However, details on the specific systems being replaced and their vulnerabilities remain undisclosed.

Key Points: • Buckingham Palace's cybersecurity budget increased to £5.6 million amid Russian threats. • Pro-Russian group KillNet previously attacked the royal website, causing significant downtime. • The Palace is replacing ageing systems to enhance security against evolving cyber threats.