A significant data breach has reportedly targeted the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD), which is a worrying development, according to reports from Sky News. It is thought that names and bank account information of veterans and active duty members may have been compromised.
According to Sky News, which cites investigative sources, China is thought to be responsible for the cyberattack. Aside from the MoD’s primary computer network, the targeted system has been taken offline for examination and inquiry.
The MoD has yet to confirm the source of the attack or the extent of the breach. However, this incident raises serious concerns about the security of personnel data and the potential consequences for those affected.
The Chinese state is to be accused of two or three attempts at hacking MoD employees, including personnel. The cyberattack was on a payroll system with current service personnel and some veterans. It is largely names and bank details that have been exposed. All salaries will be paid this month.
Conservative MP and former soldier Tobias Ellwood stated on Sky News that China “was probably looking at the financially vulnerable with a view that they may be coerced in exchange for cash.”
The BBC reports that on Tuesday, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps is expected to brief Members about the hack in the Commons. In response, he’s supposed to lay out a “multi-point plan” that includes steps to safeguard the impacted service members.
A considerable rise in cyberattacks by state and non-state actors, including the use of spyware, ransomware, and offensive hacking tools, was forewarned in the government’s most recent defense strategy update.
China in Crosshairs Again: Just a few months ago, in March 2024, the UK government publicly accused China of a cyberattack in August 2021 that compromised voter data held by the Electoral Commission.
Russia’s interference attempts: Further raising concerns, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) identified Russian intelligence as the culprit behind a cyberattack in December 2023 aimed at disrupting UK political processes.
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