The UK will likely face AI cyberattacks on its key systems by 2028.

Britain's cyber chief warned about this on Tuesday.

His name is Richard Horne.

He is head of the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC).

He said criminals and states are using AI more and more.

These states include China and Russia.

He said this could include AI-powered malware for ransomware attacks.

Horne spoke at the launch of the NCSC's yearly report.

He said some business leaders got tech cheap.

They will have to explain the results if they do not invest in cybersecurity.

The report said Chinese cyber activity is the most complex and steady challenge for the UK.

It said Russia and China will often use AI for their geopolitical goals.

Horne said Russia runs cyber campaigns below the level of armed conflict.

He said Iran targets people who threaten its regime.

The report said AI will likely raise the scale and speed of hostile operations.

But it is more likely to help existing tactics.

It is less likely to find brand new weaknesses.

Last week, governments and companies rushed security updates.

An AI-assisted discovery found flaws in a programming language.

This language is vital to 70% of websites around the world.

Horne said technology supports automation.

This automation is vital to modern life.

It includes power switching, water sluice gates, dams and factory lines.

He gave an example of easy abuse.

It was recent attacks on cooling systems in French supermarkets.

The UK and EU member states said Russia's FSB was behind an attack on Poland's energy grid in December 2025.

The NCSC said harmful cyber activity costs UK organizations almost $20 billion a year.

GCHQ director Anne Keast-Butler said every organization needs to act now.

She called cybersecurity part of the front line defense of the nation.