The Foreign Office’s servers have been breached by hackers, with reports suggesting that Chinese hackers have gained unauthorized access to sensitive data. Business Minister Sir Chris Bryant acknowledged the hack of Government servers but refrained from implicating China directly.
The Government has been in discussions with the Information Commissioner to determine the extent of the breach, expressing a belief that the risk of individual compromise is relatively low. An investigation into the incident has been ongoing since October.
Recent reports indicate that the China-linked cyber group Storm-1849 targeted government servers, raising concerns about potential theft of personal or confidential information. Storm-1849, known for cyber espionage activities, was previously accused by the UK government in 2024 for engaging in “malicious” cyber campaigns against MPs and the Electoral Commission.
Sir Chris mentioned in an interview with BBC Breakfast that while a hack did occur and investigations are ongoing, steps were taken promptly to address the breach. He emphasized that the Government remains vigilant against cyber threats, acknowledging the prevalence of such attacks in modern times.
A Government spokesperson reiterated the commitment to investigating the cyber incident, emphasizing the significance of safeguarding systems and data security. The incident serves as a reminder of the continuous need for cybersecurity measures to protect against potential threats.