UK Blames China For "Malicious" Cyber-Attack On Voter Data

The UK has accused China of conducting cyber attacks targeting British voter data and parliamentarians, describing the actions as "malicious" and a threat to democracy.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) identified that between 2021 and 2022, China's APT31 was likely behind a breach of the UK's Electoral Commission systems and also engaged in reconnaissance against MPs in a separate 2021 campaign.

These attempts, however, did not succeed in disrupting UK's democratic processes, resulting in sanctions against two individuals and one company associated with APT31.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden emphasized the UK's commitment to safeguarding its democratic system and has taken measures to increase awareness of state-sponsored cyber threats.

Despite the cyber attacks, UK officials, including Foreign Secretary David Cameron and Home Secretary James Cleverly, assured that the UK's electoral processes remain secure and that such actions will not be tolerated.

The UK has also introduced the National Security Act and Elections Act 2022 to further protect against such threats and undue influences on voters.

The UK's stance is supported by its Five Eyes alliance partners—Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States—and has garnered international support for China to act responsibly in cyberspace. The NCSC has provided guidance for high-risk individuals and organizations to bolster their cyber resilience.