Thousands of documents referring to security at United Kingdom Ministry of Defence sites have been uploaded to the dark web after the LockBit ransomware group hacked into fencing manufacturer, Zaun.
Zaun, which has released a statement labelling the incident a “sophisticated cyber-attack”, said the incident occurred early last month.
The firm said the incident did not compromise any classified documents.
However, a report by the Mirror newspaper said the stolen documents contained information that could help the group access sites, including a nuclear submarine base in Scotland, several high-security prisons, as well as other national security details.
It is believed other areas of Government may have been affected by the security breach.
Often described as one the world’s most dangerous hacking gangs, this is not the first attack the Russian-linked LockBit has carried out on UK companies.
Earlier this year, it demanded an £80 million ($A155 million) ransom after hacking into the Royal Mail’s software, blocking international shipments. Last year it attacked the National Health Service, forcing doctors to keep patient records offline.
Meanwhile, former Conservative Party Deputy Chief Whip, Christopher Pincher has announced he will resign as a Member of Parliament after a report from Parliament’s Standards Commissioner found he had groped two men at the exclusive Carlton Club last year.
One of Mr Pincher’s victims was a Public Servant, the other was a member of staff at the House of Lords.
Standards Commissioner, Daniel Greenberg’s report stated Mr Pincher’s conduct was “completely inappropriate, profoundly damaging to the individuals concerned, and represented an abuse of power”.
Mr Pincher lost the Conservative Party Whip after the Carlton Club allegations first emerged and has sat as an independent MP since. His decision to resign will prompt a by-election.
London, 9 September 2023
