UK Museums Vulnerable to Cyber-Attacks and Theft, MPs Report

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) warns that UK museums and galleries are at risk of cyber-attacks and thefts, following significant incidents like the British Museum theft of 2,000 artefacts and a ransomware attack on the British Library. The PAC criticizes the government's reactive approach to security, stating that no concrete measures have been implemented to address vulnerabilities. Despite a 53% increase in self-generated income for museums in 2024-25, visitor numbers have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, and government funding has decreased by 16%. The PAC calls for better oversight and the implementation of digital record-keeping to enhance security. The report highlights the need for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to establish clear performance metrics for museums and galleries. The PAC also questions the current funding model's effectiveness in promoting financial resilience among these institutions.

Key Points: • UK museums face increased risk of cyber-attacks and thefts, with significant incidents reported. • The PAC criticizes the government's lack of strategic action following recent security failures. • Museums generated £563 million in income in 2024-25, but government funding has decreased by 16%.