Russian cyber attacks are a “continuous threat,” according to the chair of the Defence Select Committee, and the government is taking “strict steps” to prevent them.
Following accusations that a phone belonging to Liz Truss was hacked by Russia, the government is under pressure to conduct a probe immediately.
The charges have been labeled as “very serious” and “worrisome” by the Liberal Democrats and the Labour Party.
During the summer Tory leadership race, agents suspected of working for Russian President Vladimir Putin hacked the personal phone of the former prime minister, obtaining access to details of negotiations with major international allies.
Private messages between the former foreign secretary and cabinet minister Kwasi Kwarteng were also obtained.
Boris Johnson, who was prime minister at the time, and Cabinet Secretary Simon Case allegedly concealed these data.
The administration has not acknowledged the reports.
Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the Defence Select Committee, stated that he was unaware of the incident but had received the reports.
“This is an ongoing threat from Russia, as their cyber attacks and hacking skills continue to improve. We take the strictest precautions to prevent that from occurring “he said.
The intelligence and security committee should explore this matter further.
“Serious questions” must be addressed
Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, stated in response to the report that it demonstrates the “severity of the risks” posed by nations seeking to attack the United Kingdom.
A strike of this nature by a hostile state raises significant national security concerns, which our intelligence and security agencies will have regarded extremely seriously, she stated.
“There are also grave security concerns over why and how this information was leaked or disclosed at this time, which must also be probed immediately.”
If the material was hidden to protect Truss, it would be unforgivable.
In the meantime, the Liberal Democrats have demanded an immediate investigation and stated that the charges raise “serious issues” about Mr. Johnson.
Layla Moran, the party’s foreign affairs spokesman, inquired: “Was Liz Truss’s phone hacked by Russia, and if so, why was there a news blackout?
“If it turns out that this information was hidden from the public to safeguard Liz Truss’ bid for the leadership, it would be unacceptable.
She continued, “We cannot allow the Conservative Party’s political games to take precedence over the nation’s interests and national security.”
A government spokeswoman stated that “strong systems” are in place to protect against cyber threats, including regular security briefings for ministers and instructions on how to protect their personal information.
However, they noted, “We do not comment on the security arrangements of individuals.”
