UK Government Confirms Official Data Was Stolen in Foreign Office Cyberattack
Trade minister acknowledges breach of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office systems in October that may have exposed visa-related data
British officials have confirmed that a cyberattack on government systems in October resulted in the theft of official data, marking one of the most significant intrusions into United Kingdom public sector networks this year.
Trade Minister Chris Bryant said on Friday that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office became aware of the breach in October and that hackers managed to extract information from its systems, though he emphasised that the full scope and origin of the incident remain under active investigation.
Bryant told broadcasters that the attack occurred through a technical vulnerability at one site and was addressed swiftly once discovered, and he described the risk to individuals as “fairly low” at this stage.
Government officials did not disclose details of the specific data taken but acknowledged that some sensitive information held on servers operated on behalf of the Home Office was accessed.
Media reports have suggested that tens of thousands of visa records and related details may have been among the files obtained, though the government has not confirmed those figures.
Much of the public commentary about the breach has focused on a hacking group known as Storm 1849, which has been linked in various accounts to state-aligned Chinese intelligence efforts.
Bryant cautioned against premature attribution and called some media assertions about the perpetrators’ identity “speculation,” noting that official assessments of responsibility were not yet complete.
Independent observers regard the attack as part of a broader pattern of sophisticated intrusions targeting Western governments and institutions in recent years.
The disclosure comes amid heightened sensitivity around cybersecurity and national data protection following several high-profile incidents this year, including major breaches affecting British corporations and public bodies.
The Foreign Office said it takes the protection of official systems and information extremely seriously and that work continues with national security agencies to assess the implications of the breach and to prevent future incidents.
The episode also unfolds against a backdrop of evolving diplomatic engagement with China, with the prime minister planning an official visit to Beijing in late January to strengthen trade ties while maintaining vigilance against digital threats and external interference.
Trade Minister Chris Bryant said on Friday that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office became aware of the breach in October and that hackers managed to extract information from its systems, though he emphasised that the full scope and origin of the incident remain under active investigation.
Bryant told broadcasters that the attack occurred through a technical vulnerability at one site and was addressed swiftly once discovered, and he described the risk to individuals as “fairly low” at this stage.
Government officials did not disclose details of the specific data taken but acknowledged that some sensitive information held on servers operated on behalf of the Home Office was accessed.
Media reports have suggested that tens of thousands of visa records and related details may have been among the files obtained, though the government has not confirmed those figures.
Much of the public commentary about the breach has focused on a hacking group known as Storm 1849, which has been linked in various accounts to state-aligned Chinese intelligence efforts.
Bryant cautioned against premature attribution and called some media assertions about the perpetrators’ identity “speculation,” noting that official assessments of responsibility were not yet complete.
Independent observers regard the attack as part of a broader pattern of sophisticated intrusions targeting Western governments and institutions in recent years.
The disclosure comes amid heightened sensitivity around cybersecurity and national data protection following several high-profile incidents this year, including major breaches affecting British corporations and public bodies.
The Foreign Office said it takes the protection of official systems and information extremely seriously and that work continues with national security agencies to assess the implications of the breach and to prevent future incidents.
The episode also unfolds against a backdrop of evolving diplomatic engagement with China, with the prime minister planning an official visit to Beijing in late January to strengthen trade ties while maintaining vigilance against digital threats and external interference.
