NEW DELHI: A significant cybersecurity breach has compromised the personal and financial details of approximately 250,000 individuals associated with the UK’s ministry of defence (MoD), including current and former personnel. The breach, targeting a payroll system, was reported on the eve of an official state dinner in Paris where Chinese President Xi Jinping was a guest, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
While the UK government has not officially named the attacker, reports from Sky News and other sources indicate that China is believed to be behind the cyberattack. This incident exposed sensitive data such as names and bank details of service members, veterans, and officials. The MoD confirmed the breach and said that those affected would soon receive advice and support.
The cyberattack is particularly alarming as it involves the payroll system, though the MoD reassured that the main computer systems were unaffected. The breach was detected just days ago, and a review of the compromised contractor system is underway. The MoD emphasized that no data appears to have been extracted thus far.
The incident occurs amidst a backdrop of strained relations, following accusations by the UK and its allies against China for multiple ‘malicious’ cyberattacks, including one on the Electoral Commission and another targeting MPs critical of China. This breach raises concerns about the security of sensitive information and could potentially affect intelligence sharing with nations that view China with suspicion.
In response to the incident, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden announced that the Chinese ambassador would be summoned, and sanctions against the Chinese government are being considered in coordination with international partners like the USA.
Shadow defence secretary John Healey expressed grave concerns over the breach and anticipated serious questions for the Defence Secretary, emphasizing that “any such hostile action is utterly unacceptable.”
This breach not only jeopardizes the financial security of thousands of individuals but also casts a shadow over international cybersecurity cooperation, at a time when global tensions are already high.
While the UK government has not officially named the attacker, reports from Sky News and other sources indicate that China is believed to be behind the cyberattack. This incident exposed sensitive data such as names and bank details of service members, veterans, and officials. The MoD confirmed the breach and said that those affected would soon receive advice and support.
The cyberattack is particularly alarming as it involves the payroll system, though the MoD reassured that the main computer systems were unaffected. The breach was detected just days ago, and a review of the compromised contractor system is underway. The MoD emphasized that no data appears to have been extracted thus far.
The incident occurs amidst a backdrop of strained relations, following accusations by the UK and its allies against China for multiple ‘malicious’ cyberattacks, including one on the Electoral Commission and another targeting MPs critical of China. This breach raises concerns about the security of sensitive information and could potentially affect intelligence sharing with nations that view China with suspicion.
In response to the incident, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden announced that the Chinese ambassador would be summoned, and sanctions against the Chinese government are being considered in coordination with international partners like the USA.
Shadow defence secretary John Healey expressed grave concerns over the breach and anticipated serious questions for the Defence Secretary, emphasizing that “any such hostile action is utterly unacceptable.”
This breach not only jeopardizes the financial security of thousands of individuals but also casts a shadow over international cybersecurity cooperation, at a time when global tensions are already high.
