Ministers also disclosed that the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is currently investigating three personal data incidents at the MoD. Both the Conservative and Labour parties have prioritized national security in their election campaigns amid global instability and threats from Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran.

Recent warnings suggest the upcoming UK general election could be targeted by cyber attacks and AI deep fakes from hostile states. Many breaches involve unauthorized disclosures by MoD staff, exacerbating concerns about security in a department recently hit by a suspected Chinese cyber attack.

Labour criticized the Conservative government for its “lax approach to cyber security,” promising that a Keir Starmer administration would prioritize the UK's security. However, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak countered by questioning Labour’s national security stance, highlighting Starmer’s past support for Jeremy Corbyn as a potential risk.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that the MoD’s payroll system, managed by contractor SSCL, suffered a major hack attributed to China. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, in a letter to shadow Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden, stated that the Government has enhanced security measures in its procurement processes following this breach.

In 2017-18, the MoD reported 117 data breaches, including unauthorized disclosures, lost equipment or documents, and insecure document disposal. By 2022-23, breaches had risen to 550, with unauthorized disclosures making up the majority. In 2023, the ICO fined the MoD £350,000 after 265 individuals' details were compromised in email breaches following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan.

Defence Minister Andrew Murrison recently confirmed that the ICO has three ongoing investigations into personal data incidents at the MoD. Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey criticized the MoD’s worsening data security record, noting that breaches have tripled over five years, and vowed that a Labour government would enhance the UK’s cyber-security.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps announced an urgent investigation into the recent MoD payroll cyber attack and a broader review of SSCL’s contracts with the MoD and other Whitehall departments. Dowden emphasized the importance of strengthening domestic cyber resilience to achieve national and international security goals. The Cabinet Office has implemented measures to ensure robust data security requirements in procurement contracts with third-party contractors across Whitehall.