The UK government has revealed that over half of the world's governments have access to commercial spyware, which can break into computers and phones to steal sensitive information. The findings suggest that the barrier to access this types of surveillance technology has decreased, potentially making it easier for foreign governments and hackers to target U.K. citizens, companies, and critical infrastructure. The number of countries with access to these types of hacking tools has increased from 80 in 2023. Commercial spyware often exploits security flaws in phone and computer software to steal data. The majority of cyberattacks targeting the UK have originated from foreign adversaries, rather than cybercriminal gangs.