A recent breach of servers at the Foreign Office has raised concerns as reports suggest that confidential data and information have been accessed by Chinese hackers. Business Minister Sir Chris Bryant acknowledged the hack on Government servers but did not confirm Chinese involvement.
The investigation, initiated in October, involves discussions with the Information Commissioner to determine the extent of the breach. Officials believe there is minimal risk to individuals affected by the breach. The incident came to light following reports by the Sun linking the cyber gang Storm-1849, associated with China, to the targeted attack.
Storm-1849, known for cyber espionage activities, was previously held responsible by the UK government for engaging in “malicious” cyber campaigns in 2024. The government is actively addressing the breach, with measures taken to close the security gap swiftly.
Addressing speculations about Chinese involvement, Minister Bryant emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation and the lack of conclusive evidence linking the breach to China. He highlighted the prevalence of cyber attacks in modern times, citing previous high-profile incidents at companies like JLR and Marks and Spencer.
A Government spokesperson underscored the seriousness with which the cyber incident is being handled, emphasizing the commitment to safeguarding systems and data security. In a statement, they affirmed the dedication to investigating the breach thoroughly to ensure system integrity.
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