Russian agents are trying to trick MPs into sharing compromising information using WhatsApp and Signal scams – sparking a warning from Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle
Russia is trying to target MPs using sinister WhatsApp scams, intelligence chiefs have warned.
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has written to MPs warning them to be wary after a rising number of ‘phishing’ attempts. It is believed Kremlin-linked agents are trying to trick politicians into sharing sensitive data or compromise their accounts.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has now urged MPs not to use informal messaging apps for Parliamentary work. It is understood WhatsApp and Signal have been used in attempts to strongarm public servants.
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The NCSC called on MPs to take steps to bolster their online security. It comes after a similar warning last month about threats from the Chinese intelligence service.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said the warning was a matter for the Speaker, but added: “I think we have been very clear, as have the various security agencies … in this country about the threat posed by hostile state interference from Russia, and we’ve set that out explicitly many times.”
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said it is working with the Government and Parliament. A Government spokesperson said: “Spear-phishing is a common but all-too-effective tactic used by threat actors attempting to gain access to information, online accounts and devices.
“The National Cyber Security Centre is working with partners in government and UK Parliament in response to recent targeting against commercial messaging apps including Signal and WhatsApp. We strongly encourage individuals at high risk of being targeted to follow the NCSC’s guidance and to sign up for our cyber defence services to help bolster their protection.”
Last month Security Minister Dan Jarvis told the Commons that Chinese intelligence officers are pretending to be companies or external headhunters in order to snare MPs, Lords and Parliamentary staff. It is understood they are using LinkedIn profiles in the names of two women trying to collect information.
He said China was attempting to “recruit and cultivate” individuals with access to sensitive information. Mr Jarvis told stunned MPs: “Earlier today, MI5 issued an espionage alert to members of this House, members of the other place (the Lords) and Parliamentary staff to warn them about ongoing targeting of our democratic institutions by Chinese actors.”
He warned that China has “a low threshold for what information is considered to be of value”. Mr Jarvis said: “Our intelligence agencies have warned that China is attempting to recruit and cultivate individuals with access to sensitive information about Parliament and the UK government and MI5 have stated that this activity is being carried out by a group of Chinese intelligence officers, often masked through the use of cover companies or external headhunters.