July 30 (Reuters) - Bank of America said on Thursday it plans to acquire ‌information security firm MDSec Consulting Ltd, ‌as it bolsters its capabilities against cyber attacks. Companies worldwide are grappling with a surge in ⁠AI-driven cyberattacks and ransomware that steal sensitive data and disrupt operations. MDSec, headquartered in Macclesfield, ​England, has ​about 65 cybersecurity ​professionals and provides security-related ‌consultancy services, the bank said. Bank of America already has a significant presence in the North of England, with over 1,400 employees based nearby in Chester. One of the ‌bank's cyber threat operations ​centers is also in ​Chester.