Subj : UK spy agency warns polit
To : All
From : Mike Powell
Date : Thu Oct 16 2025 08:41 am
UK spy agency warns politicians: 'You are a potential target'
Date:
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 14:36:00 +0000
Description:
The Chinese are spying on, or trying to recruit government workers, MI5 warned.
FULL STORY
MI5, the UKs counterintelligence and security agency, released a new guidance
to warn MPs and other members of government that they are being actively
targeted by malicious actors from China, Russia, and Iran.
Espionage and foreign interference pose a significant threat to the UKs
democracy, economy and fundamental rights and freedoms, the guidance warns.
As an elected politician, candidate, member of the House of Lords or a staff
member, you are a potential target. Protect yourself and your team by
understanding the threat and applying simple countermeasures.
How to stay safe
MI5 said that spies are looking to exfiltrate sensitive information about the
country through different means, from blackmail to phishing . They are often
engaged in long-term, deep relationship building, not just to gather
information, but also to manipulate and recruit. This cultivation starts with
a simple introduction, pointing out shared interests and social gatherings.
Even if you resist the manipulation, a threat actor may use any association
with you to lend credibility to their approaches to others, MI5 added.
To stay safe, MI5 advises MPs to keep up to date with National Protective
Security Authority (NPSA), National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), and other
security teams guidance. They should also use the BEST principles to take
simple actions (Be alert, Enhance security overseas, Secure your information,
Trust your instincts).
China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea targeting Western countries is no news,
but attribution is rather tricky. Last week, UK prosecutors had to abandon
the trial of two British men charged with spying for China, because the
British government did not provide strong-enough evidence to prove their
claims.
In 2022, US prosecutors charged two alleged Chinese spies with interference
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 allegations of espionage.
Via Reuters
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Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/uk-spy-agency-warns-politicians-you-are
-a-potential-target
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