Ministry of Defence targeted in cyber-attack by 'China' as details of serving military personnel accessed in breach

6 May 2024, 22:56 | Updated: 7 May 2024, 08:05

Placard outside the British Ministry of Defence headquarters of the Armed Forces
Placard outside the British Ministry of Defence headquarters of the Armed Forces. Picture: Alamy

By Christian Oliver

The Ministry of Defence has fallen victim to a cyber attack, claimed to be conducted by the Chinese state.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The hack is understood to have targeted the MoD's payrolls system which contains the personal details of serving military personnel.

The Chinese state was behind the attack, Sky News reported. This was not immediately confirmed by the MoD.

The ministry is yet to confirm the extent of the breach and if any information was taken.

Defence secretary Grant Shapps is expected to make a statement on the reported cyber-attack to MPs in the Commons on Tuesday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks during a toast at a state dinner, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Monday
Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks during a toast at a state dinner, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Monday. Picture: Alamy

Read More: Donald Trump threatened with jail over gag order violations as ex-president's 'hush money' trial continues

Read More: Israel launches strikes on Rafah and dismisses latest Gaza ceasefire proposal as 'ruse' despite Hamas accepting terms

Chinese "state-affiliated actors" were recently blamed for two other cyberattacks in the UK - one on the Electoral Commission - which were described by Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron as "completely unacceptable".

The hack is not expected to affect MoD salary payments this month, it is understood.

The personal data system is managed by an external contractor and not by the MoD.

No data immediately relating to international security has been obtained.

It is understood the MoD has now taken the system off-line and has dispatched investigators to examine the breach.

It has also alerted veterans' organisations to the breach as part of notifying those affected.

LBC has contacted the MoD for comment.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

The body of Yair Yaakov, 59, has reportedly been recovered.

Two more hostages recovered by Israeli forces in Gaza, Netanyahu says

There were reports of vehicles being damaged and burned out, stolen cars, motorbikes being used and bricks thrown at officers amid the disorder, Greater Manchester Police said.

Girl, 16, charged with assaulting an emergency worker in Salford after ‘60 masked youths’ clash with police

The affected products include the Jolly Rancher Hard Candy, “Misfits” Gummies, Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1, and Berry Gummies, the FSA said.

'Don't eat them': Brits told to avoid popular American sweets linked to cancer amid 'toxicological concern'

A woman has been arrested after a four-year-old boy was found dead in Dunholme End.

Boy, 4, found dead inside Maidenhead home as police arrest woman on suspicion of murder

Exclusive
Caz Holbrook, 54, said 2023 was a "very stressful" year after her landlord evicted her and her 15-year-old son from their home in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire

I was evicted after Liz Truss's budget tanked the economy – my son and I ended up in a beetle-infested flat

St Michael's Church, Mytholmroyd

Village church ordered to silence 'cherished' chiming bells after residents' complaints spark huge row

The Bridgerton actress said she has been left with a concussion and "on edge" - and the incident traumatised her dog.

Bridgerton actress Genevieve Chenneour left 'traumatised' after fighting off phone thief who threatened to 'stab' her

Shopper walking through the aisle of a supermarket.

Deadly disease outbreak linked to 'contaminated' UK supermarket item

Demonstrators gathered outside Stoke Newington Police Station in protest against police in schools, after it emerged that a 15-year-old Black girl ('Child Q') was strip-searched by police at a Hackney school, which is thought to be racially motivated.

Officer who strip-searched black schoolgirl while she was on her period admits failings but denies racist motivation

Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England

My mum finds Jude Bellingham’s on-field antics repulsive, says Thomas Tuchel

The jury found him not guilty of an additional sexual assault charge and have not yet returned a verdict on a charge of rape.

Harvey Weinstein found guilty in New York sexual assault retrial but acquitted on second charge

Riot police vans at Clonavon Terrace, Ballymena, as people take part in a protest over an alleged sexual assault in the Co Antrim town.

Residents 'fear for their lives' in third night of Ballymena riots as 'masked thugs set leisure centre alight'

Brian Wilson performs Pet Sounds at the Pantages Theatre on May 26, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.

Legendary Beach Boys co-founder and primary songwriter Brian Wilson dies aged 82

England head coach Thomas Tuchel.

'I'm in the right place': Thomas Tuchel wants to extend England head coach job until Euro 2028

The Lower Broughton Road in Salford.

Rioting erupts and 16-year-old girl arrested in Salford as ‘60 masked youths’ clash with police and 'set fire to car'

Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu following their doubles match defeat to Lyudmyla Kichenok and Erin Routliffe on day three of the HSBC Championships at The Queen's Club, London

Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter beaten in the doubles at Queens