China rejects claims of hacking into British Defense Ministry

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Tuesday rejected claims of hacking into the British Defense Ministry, state media reported.

Such reports are “pure nonsense,” China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian replied when asked about a report by Sky News that China had hacked into the UK Ministry of Defense in a cyberattack targeting service personnel.

“China has always resolutely opposed and fought against all forms of cyberattacks, and resolutely refuses using cybersecurity issues to smear other countries,” Lin told reporters in Beijing.

Sky News had reported that the Chinese state was behind the cyberattack, although the UK government will not name the country involved.

The broadcaster said it understands this to be China.

Lawmakers will be told on Tuesday of a massive data breach involving the ministry and two or three attempts at hacking its employees, including personnel.

According to the report, the cyberattack was on a payroll system with current service personnel, some officials and some veterans, largely exposing names and bank details.