Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
Trade Minister Chris Bryant has confirmed that government data was compromised in a cyberattack, though officials consider the threat to individual citizens to be “low.” The affected information resided on systems managed by the Foreign Office on behalf of the Home Office. The security breach was identified by Foreign Office staff during routine monitoring.
Although the government has not explicitly named those responsible, it is believed that a group linked to China may have carried out the hack. A spokesperson stated that authorities remain actively engaged in investigating the incident. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Bryant emphasized that the investigation is still in progress and noted that the vulnerability was addressed promptly. He reassured the public that the likelihood of personal data being affected is minimal. However, when interviewed on Times Radio, he refrained from confirming any direct involvement of Chinese operatives or state actors.
Reports from The Sun suggest the breach occurred in October and may have involved the targeting of visa-related information. The matter has been reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office. UK intelligence bodies have previously warned of a rising tide of cyber espionage from China, which targets both political and commercial data. GCHQ, the UK’s cyber security agency, disclosed last year that it dedicates more resources to countering Chinese cyber threats than those from any other nation. Bryant commented on the persistent threat to government infrastructure, saying, “Government facilities are always going to be potentially targeted,” and confirmed ongoing efforts to manage the fallout from this incident.
The potential attribution of the hack to a Chinese state-affiliated group could complicate diplomatic relations, particularly ahead of a planned visit to Beijing next year by Sir Keir Starmer—marking the first visit by a UK prime minister to China since 2018. The Labour government has stressed the importance of engaging with China on critical issues such as trade and climate change, while also using direct talks to address security concerns. China has consistently denied involvement in cyberattacks against the UK, with embassy representatives labeling such accusations as “entirely fabricated” and “malicious slander.” Sir Keir has recently urged for a more consistent UK approach toward China, describing failure to effectively manage this relationship as a “dereliction of duty” given China’s significant role in technology, trade, and global affairs. He has advocated balancing cooperation with recognition of the national security challenges posed by China.
The exact method by which hackers gained access remains uncertain, but experts have noted vulnerabilities within government IT infrastructure. Jamie MacColl, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), pointed out to the BBC that government departments frequently rely on outdated systems. Similarly, Jake Moore, a cybersecurity adviser at ESET, highlighted the need for government agencies to enhance their digital defenses, stating simply that “they will continue to be targeted” unless investments are made in better cybersecurity measures
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.