UK Museums Vulnerable to Cyber Threats and Theft, MPs Warn

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has reported that UK national museums and galleries are highly vulnerable to cyber threats and theft, following significant incidents like the British Library ransomware attack and thefts from the British Museum. The PAC criticized the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for its reactive rather than strategic approach to security, failing to implement concrete measures to protect these institutions. The report highlighted that while museums generated £563 million in income in 2024-25, they face rising costs and a 16% reduction in government funding. The PAC called for the DCMS to provide clear metrics for assessing museum performance and to take decisive action to enhance both cyber and physical security. Despite discussions facilitated by the DCMS, no specific actions were identified as having been taken to address these vulnerabilities. The report emphasizes the need for better digital record-keeping and oversight to prevent future incidents.

Key Points: • UK museums and galleries are vulnerable to cyber threats and theft, as highlighted by recent incidents. • The PAC criticized the DCMS for its lack of proactive measures and failure to implement security improvements. • Government funding for museums has decreased by 16%, impacting their ability to maintain security.