November 29th 2024.
In a series of cyber attacks spanning four years, Russian hackers have managed to steal sensitive information from the Ministry of Defence. The stolen data includes emails and passwords belonging to hundreds of military personnel, MoD civil servants, and defence contractors. The MoD has launched an investigation into the matter after it was discovered that a total of 595 accounts have been compromised since 2020.
The affected individuals are not just limited to those based in the UK, as it has been reported that personnel located overseas, including Iraq, Qatar, Cyprus, and mainland Europe, have also been targeted. The MoD has confirmed that the stolen information was used to access their Defence Gateway portal, which is an online platform used for staff communication and access to human resources and health data. Although the portal does not contain classified information, it is still a crucial part of their operations.
There is strong suspicion that the attacks were carried out using Russian hacking tools, but there is no evidence to suggest that the Kremlin was directly involved. According to sources, this type of activity is often the first step in a covert recruitment operation by enemies. Personal information obtained through these hacks can be used to coerce or blackmail employees. Alon Gal, chief technical officer of a cybercrime intelligence firm, also expressed concerns about the stolen credentials and the potential risks they pose.
The Defence Gateway portal can only be accessed through multi-factor authentication, but it is believed that most of the data was stolen using personal devices of staff members. This raises concerns about other sensitive information that could be accessed, including private email accounts, online banking, and social media accounts. The MoD and the National Cyber Security Centre are working together to investigate and remediate the situation as quickly as possible.
In addition to technical measures, the MoD is also taking steps to educate their personnel on the importance of keeping their personal devices updated and maintaining strong personal security. A government spokesperson emphasized the need for vigilance against information theft and reassured the public that they are taking robust measures to protect their national interests against cyber threats.
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