Cyber attacks on UK budget officials double in single year

THE number of cyber threats against the Office for Budget Responsibility has more than doubled in the past year, shocking figures have revealed.

- BY CHRISTIAN CALGIE Senior Political Correspondent

It comes just days ahead of Rachel Reeves' Budget on November 26.

The OBR, which provides economic forecasts and analysis of public finances, now needs to "batten down the hatches", a security expert said.

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A Freedom of Information request revealed that the number of blocked email attacks on the OBR has rocketed in the past 12 months, from 91,000 in 2023/24 to 239,000 in 2024/25.

Andy Ward, senior vice president for cyber firm Absolute Security, told the Daily Express: "Cyber risks are heightened in the lead-up to big events like the Budget, with cyber criminals targeting confidential economic forecasts and spending plans which could be used to influence markets.