Russian hackers breach UK government systems, sell access on dark web

Russian hackers have breached the computer accounts of British officials and employees of the British Foreign Office abroad, in an attack described as a serious national security breach. The hackers stole employee login credentials, gaining access to sensitive British government systems. Reports indicate they bypassed 80,000 firewalls. The compromised accounts are being offered for sale on the dark web for $60,000, approximately 7.5 million Icelandic krónur. Among the affected accounts are those of employees in intelligence departments at British embassies in Thailand and Mauritius, as well as staff in Derbyshire and Waltham Forest in East London. A cybersecurity expert noted that the hackers' access to critical Foreign Office systems raises concerns that other ministries could also be affected. The breach could have severe consequences, as the compromised access extends to vital systems for various UK institutions, including the National Health Service (NHS). A former NHS chief clinician, now a cybersecurity specialist, warned that if the information falls into the wrong hands, it could cause a "major incident" impacting patient safety. He emphasized that the NHS, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers rely on services targeted by this attack.

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if the wrong parties gain access to the information, it could cause a 'major incident' that would affect patient safety.