Government data stolen in hack, minister confirms

Government data has been stolen in a hack though officials believe the risk to individuals is “low”, a minister has said.

Trade Minister Chris Bryant told BBC Breakfast “an investigation is ongoing” into the hack, adding that the security gap was “closed pretty quickly”.

A Chinese affiliated group is suspected of being behind the attack, but Bryant said investigators “simply don’t know as yet” who is responsible.

“We think that it’s a fairly low-risk that individuals will have been compromised or affected,” Bryant said.

It comes after the Sun newspaper reported that the hack took place in October with information possibly including visa details targeted.

It said in its report that hackers affiliated to the Chinese state were thought to be involved.

The incident has been referred to the Information Commissioners Office.

UK intelligence agencies have warned about increasing, large-scale espionage from China, using cyber and other means, and targeting commercial and political information.