- MI5 warns British politicians about espionage threats from China, Russia, Iran and North Korea
- Threat actors use phishing, extortion and relationship building to manipulate and recruit targets
- Officials are encouraged to follow BEST principles and keep up to date with NCSC and NPSA guidance
MI5, the UK’s counterintelligence and security agency, has published new guidance to warn MPs and other government members that they are under active attack by malicious actors from China, Russia and Iran.
“Espionage and foreign interference pose a significant threat to Britain’s democracy, economy and fundamental rights and freedoms,” the guidance warns.
“As an elected politician, candidate, member of the House of Lords or employee, you are a potential target. Protect yourself and your team by understanding the threat and applying simple countermeasures.”
How to stay safe
MI5 said spies seek to exfiltrate sensitive information about the country through various means, from blackmail to phishing. They are often engaged in long-term, deep relationship building, not only to gather information, but also to manipulate and recruit. This cultivation starts with a simple introduction pointing to common interests and social gatherings.
“Even if you resist the manipulation, a threat actor can use any connection with you to lend credibility to their approaches to others,” MI5 added.
To be safe, MI5 advises MPs to keep up to date with the guidance of the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) and other security teams. They should also use the BEST principles to perform simple actions (Be aware, Improve security abroad, Secure your information, Trust your instincts).
China, Russia, Iran and North Korea targeting Western countries is nothing new, but attribution is quite difficult. Last week, British prosecutors had to abandon the trial of two British men accused of spying for China because the British government did not present strong enough evidence to prove their claims.
In 2022, US prosecutors charged two alleged Chinese spies with interfering in a criminal investigation against Chinese telecom giant Huawei, and back in 2019, Polish authorities arrested a Chinese Huawei employee and a Polish national on espionage charges.
Via Pakinomist
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