The United Kingdom has alleged that Chinese state cyber actors are behind malicious cyber campaigns that targeted its democratic institutions.
According to the National Cyber Security Centre, the U.K. Electoral Commission was “highly likely compromised” between 2021 and 2022 by the state-affiliated hacking group known as APT31.
NCSC, part of the Government Communications Headquarters, also assessed that APT31 carried out a reconnaissance mission against U.K. parliamentary members in 2021. The organization said APT31 targeted personalities critical of China, although no parliamentary accounts were compromised.
Following the NCSC report, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office summoned the Chinese Ambassador to the U.K. Wang Yi. London also sanctioned companies and individuals with ties to APT31.
“It is completely unacceptable that China state-affiliated organizations and individuals have targeted our democratic institutions and political processes. While these attempts to interfere with U.K. democracy have not been successful, we will remain vigilant and resilient to the threats we face,” said David Cameron, secretary of state for foreign, Commonwealth and development affairs.
