:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/M4FPHJXONRFRFKHBXTCHZVWUBU.jpg "Alert in Westminster: the Chinese regime launched a cyber attack against several UK parliamentarians")
China’s regime has been identified as the source of a series of cyber attacks targeting UK parliamentarians, as reported by The Sunday Times. Members of the House of Lords and MPs, including key figures like former Conservative leader Sir Ian Duncan Smith and Scottish National Party MP Stewart McDonald, have been specifically targeted in this state-backed interference.
The Interparliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), a group dedicated to monitoring Beijing’s actions, has also been impacted by these cyber attacks. The seriousness of the situation prompted a briefing by Parliament’s head of security, Alison Giles, for a select group of politicians.
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden is expected to address Parliament regarding China’s role in these cyber attacks, while Foreign Secretary David Cameron will discuss related issues with the 1922 Committee. The revelations about the cyber attacks coincide with the work of the Defending Democracy task force, a ministerial committee focused on safeguarding the UK’s democratic system.
Luke de Pulford, executive director of IPAC, has highlighted the increasing threat posed by state-sponsored cyber attacks from China. The arrest of a parliamentary researcher last year on suspicion of espionage has further underscored the risks associated with confronting Beijing’s regime.
The Commons Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) previously raised concerns about China’s widespread infiltration in the UK, emphasizing the need for vigilance. Meanwhile, the FBI has issued warnings about escalating cyber attacks from China targeting critical infrastructure in the US.
FBI director Christopher Wray has cautioned against underestimating the gravity of these cyber threats, urging proactive measures to counter China’s offensive capabilities. In the midst of global crises, it is crucial to address the persistent threat posed by state-sponsored cyber attacks, which continue to undermine national security.