The UK faces a range of national security threats from terrorism, espionage and state threats. Understanding and assessing the threats facing your business or organisation will ensure protective security measures are proportionate, effective and responsive.
Information on the current threat landscape is provided by MI5. See the links below for more information on the current threats to the UK's national security.
To report an imminent threat call 999 or ring the police Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.
If you know something about a threat to national security such as terrorism or espionage, contact MI5 online via their website or call:
- Freephone 0800 111 4645
- 020 7930 9000 (standard call rates apply)
- +44 20 7930 9000 (international calls only)
Countering Terrorism
Terrorists use violence and threats of violence to influence the government or an international governmental organisation, or to intimidate the public. They do this in pursuit of a political, religious, racial or ideological cause. The full definition of terrorism is set out in law and the Crown Prosecution Service offers information about terrorism offences.
The threat to the UK from terrorism has changed over time. MI5's Countering terrorism page explains the current terrorist threat picture and our work in response. The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre independently assesses the terrorist threat to the UK and sets the UK’s national terrorism threat levels.
Terrorism threat levels
Terrorism threat levels indicate the likelihood of a terrorist attack in the UK. The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre independently assesses the terrorist threat to the UK and sets the UK’s national terrorism threat levels.
MI5's page has the latest threat levels as well as background information on how these are determined and what they mean for you.
Countering State Threats
State threats are overt or covert actions by foreign governments which fall short of direct armed conflict with the UK but go beyond peaceful diplomacy and expected statecraft to harm or threaten the safety or interests of the UK or our allies.
What risk do state threats pose?
State threats present a real and evolving risk to the UK. They can manifest in a range of forms. These include attempts to:
- steal sensitive information through espionage or cyber attacks
- threaten the public’s safety, including through physical violence or assassinations
- harm our prosperity
- undermine our values and freedoms
Those acting on behalf of foreign states may also seek to interfere with UK democracy and democratic institutions. For example, this could involve covert or coercive influencing of political figures and the use of disinformation. Disinformation is the deliberate dissemination of false and/or manipulated information. Both of these examples have the potential to be used in an attempt to cause harm or to achieve political aims which undermine the UK’s national security.
State threats do not only materialise against government and intelligence agencies. Some states are particularly interested in industrial or commercial information which could be used to support their own economy or military. This information may not be “classified” or an obvious target for espionage.
States may seek to exploit foreign direct investment, academic partnerships and supply chains to gain access to sensitive information.
Who poses a threat?
Intelligence officers working for other countries under diplomatic cover are what lots of people think of when they think of “spies”. Whilst that is often the case, the reality is more complex. Individuals or groups seeking to harm the UK’s national security could be posing as businesspeople, recruitment consultants or journalists but in reality are seeking to act on behalf of another state to gather information or conduct other activity against the UK’s interests. States may also task criminal gangs or private security companies to conduct activity on their behalf.
Intelligence services targeting the UK seek to understand:
- Business information
- Research
- Political information
- Military information
- Activities of dissidents
MI5's Countering state threats page contains more information about these and the overall state threats picture.
Cyber Threat
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) provides advice to businesses, other organisations and the public about cyber security. Useful NCSC resources include:
- Articles on the currently heightened cyber threat
- The latest NCSC threat reports
- And the threat chapter of the most recent NCSC Annual Review (2024)
Another useful source of information for individuals and businesses include the Get Safe Online website.