UK Government Adds AI Cyber and Election Risks to National Risk Register

The UK government has updated its National Risk Register, adding seven new risks, including cyber attacks on critical infrastructure and interference in democratic processes. Chief Secretary Darren Jones highlighted the threats posed by AI and climate change, emphasizing the need for preparedness against severe weather and cyber incidents. The update follows a record number of significant cyber incidents reported by the National Cyber Security Centre, which noted 204 incidents by September 2025. The new risks include a 'digital resilience failure' scenario based on the 2024 CrowdStrike outage. The government plans to launch a public awareness campaign to help citizens prepare for potential crises. This update reflects a growing recognition of the vulnerabilities in the UK's digital and democratic infrastructure. The National Cyber Security Centre has cited attacks on major companies as examples of escalating cyber threats.

Key Points: • Seven new risks added to the UK's National Risk Register, including AI-driven cyber threats. • The National Cyber Security Centre reported 204 significant cyber incidents by September 2025. • A national public awareness campaign will be launched to enhance citizen preparedness for crises.