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CYBER criminals are launching more online attacks on UK businesses than ever before, spooks warn in a shock report today(TUES).

Dozens of “significant” online assaults were waged against British interests in just 15 months, according to intelligence officials.

Between October 2016 and the end of 2017, the National Cyber Security Centre recorded 34 “significant” attacks - defined as needing a cross-government response.

There were 762 less serious incidents, typically limited to single organisations.

Chillingly, the NCSC warns “2018 will bring more of these attacks”.

The 30-page report from National Crime Agency and the NCSC, which is part of Britain’s secret eavesdropping station GCHQ, highlights a series of attacks last year, including the WannaCry hack blamed on North Korea.

(Image: AFP)

It hit 300,000 computers in 150 countries.

WannaCry was the “most disruptive “of all the attacks launched against the UK and led to nearly 7,000 NHS appointments being cancelled, today’s report says.

Other cases cited included an attack on Equifax and previous assaults on Yahoo and Uber, which were revealed last year.

The study says: “2017 will be remembered as the year of ransomware attacks and massive data breaches, supply chain threats and, of course, fake news stories.

“With attackers able to achieve many of their aims by using techniques that are not particularly advanced, the distinction between nation states and cyber criminals has blurred, making attribution all the more difficult.

“The WannaCry ransomware attack in May spread rapidly and randomly due to its use of a self-replicating worm.

“300,000 devices were infected, spanning 150 countries and affecting services worldwide, including the NHS.

“The attack demonstrated the real-world harm that can result from cyber attacks, particularly when they are designed to self-replicate and spread.”

Today’s Cyber Threat to UK Business Industry 2017-2018 study is published to mark the start of a three-day summit in Manchester attended by 1,800 guests including top Government ministers, senior military and intelligence figures and industry experts.

The report warns that firms are under increasing threat from ransomware, data breaches and supply chain weaknesses which can mean serious financial and reputational damage.

Officials fear firms are covering up other attacks in a bid to minimise bad publicity.

Hushing up web assaults denies detectives and other web crime fighters chances to uncover “crucial evidence and intelligence about cyber threats and offenders”.

NCSC Chief Executive Ciaran Martin said: “The key to better cyber security is understanding the problem and taking practical steps to reduce risk.

“This report sets out to explain what terms like cryptojacking and ransomware really mean for businesses and citizens, and using case studies, shows what can happen when the right protections aren’t in place.”

The National Crime Agency’s prosperity command director Donald Toon said: “UK business faces a cyber threat which is growing in scale and complexity.

“Organisations which don’t take cyber security extremely seriously in the next year are risking serious financial and reputational consequences.

“By increasing collaboration between law enforcement, government and industry we will make sure the UK is a safe place to do business and hostile zone for cyber criminals.”