Foreign Office Hack Under Investigation, Ministers Confident Individual Data Not at Risk
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) detected a cyberattack in October and is conducting a detailed investigation. Ministers have expressed confidence that individual data were not compromised. The breach involved systems managed for the FCDO by the Home Office, reportedly concerning visa details.
Reports from The Sun claim the hacker group Storm 1949, linked to China, accessed thousands of confidential documents. However, ministers have not confirmed the attribution. Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant noted a low risk to individual data, attributing the quick response to a technical issue at one site. He urged caution against speculation about the origin of the attack while the investigation is ongoing.
The government is actively addressing the breach and implementing measures to prevent future incidents. The incident has sparked political debate amid concerns over Chinese interference, with Conservative critics and Priti Patel emphasizing a possible Chinese link, while Labour figures are involved in discussions about national security and China.
