BREAKING: Panic As #China Hacked UK Armed Forces Data—-According to sky news, The Chinese state has hacked the Ministry of Defence.
MPs will be told today of a massive data breach involving the MoD, targeting service personnel.
The government will not name the country involved, but Sky News understands this to be China.
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.
Tobias Ellwood, a Conservative MP and former soldier, told Sky News that China “was probably looking at the financially vulnerable with a view that they may be coerced in exchange for cash”.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps is expected to make a statement to the Commons today, with the BBC reporting he will set out a “multi-point plan” which will include action to protect affected service men and women.
The MoD hopes serving personnel will not be concerned about their safety. They will be provided with advice and support tomorrow.
The contractor system is not connected to the main MoD computer systems and has been taken down with a review launched.
