The British government believes China may be responsible for a data breach attack on its armed forces payroll system.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps is set to speak to Members of Parliament today, where he is likely to caution about the risks of data breaches associated with cyber espionage carried out by unfriendly nations. Like most government departments, the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) payroll system contains sensitive information such as the personal details and bank information of military personnel.
Payroll System Data Breach
According to the Daily Mail, the MOD’s payroll system was targeted affecting both active service members, officials, and veterans. Personal information such as names and bank details has been compromised. The MOD reportedly dedicated significant efforts to addressing the issue over the Bank Holiday weekend to determine the extent of data exposure from the hack.
Approximately 250,000 individuals may be affected by the breach, with their names and banking information being part of the compromised data. Defence sources have confirmed that the identities of Special Forces soldiers, who are granted lifelong anonymity, remain secure and have not been compromised.
Conservative MP and former soldier ,Tobias Ellwood, told Sky News that China “was probably looking at the financially vulnerable with a view that they may be coerced in exchange for cash”.
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