The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has experienced a cyber-attack targeting an armed forces payroll system, according to a report by the BBC.

The news broadcaster understands that the government suspects that China is behind the attack and became aware of the situation in the past few days.

The payroll system which was targeted by hackers was managed by an external contractor and includes the names and financial information of employees that have worked in the Royal Navy, Army and Airforce over several years. The BBC added that addresses may be included in a minority of cases.

National Technology News has reached out to the MoD for comment.

“The personal details of military personnel have always been prized information for intelligence-gathering countries not afraid to get their hands dirty,” said Guy Golan, chief executive and founder of cybersecurity firm Performanta.

He said that whether it was China, or another suspect altogether, the attack has been carried out with purpose, accessing the outsourced system and finding this way more efficient and successful than a full-frontal attack.

“It is worrying that the MoD became so susceptible through an ‘external contractor’, a sign that their attack surface management and supply chains needs urgent examination,” continued Golan.

Speaking to the BBC Tobias Ellwood, former chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, said: "Targeting the names of the payroll system and service personnel's bank details, this does point to China because it can be as part of a plan, a strategy to see who might be coerced."

The BBC said that Defence Secretary Defence Secretary Grant Shapps is due to address MPs today and will speak about cyber security threats from hostile nations.

Martin Greenfield, chief executive officer at cybersecurity consultancy firm Quod Orbis, said that the public sector has always been a target for cyber criminals and over half of UK organisations experienced a cyber breech last year.

“As investigations into this breach unfolds, it’s clear that the UK’s cybersecurity posture needs to evolve to meet the growing threat landscape,” he added. “This will require a concerted effort to break down silos and foster greater collaboration between departments, agencies and the private sector.”

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