UK Home Office’s new vulnerability reporting mechanism leaves researchers open to prosecution

Summary: Individuals reporting cybersecurity vulnerabilities to the UK’s Home Office face potential prosecution despite following new guidance, primarily due to the Computer Misuse Act. The Home Office’s lack of legal protections for ethical hackers contrasts with other government departments such as the Ministry of Defence, which has assured good-faith researchers they will not face legal actions. The CyberUp Campaign emphasizes the urgent need for reforms to the outdated legal framework that stifles legitimate cybersecurity activities.

Affected: Home Office, Cybersecurity Researchers in the UK

Keypoints :

• UK researchers are at risk of prosecution when reporting vulnerabilities, even with new guidance from the Home Office.
• The Computer Misuse Act criminalizes all unauthorized access, posing significant risks for ethical hacking.
• The CyberUp Campaign is advocating for legal reforms to protect researchers and improve national cyber resilience.