- MI5 warns British politicians about spying threats from China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.
- Threat actors use phishing, blackmail, and relationship building to manipulate and recruit targets.
- Managers are encouraged to follow BEST principles and stay up to date with NCSC and NPSA guidelines.
MI5, the UK’s counter-espionage and security agency, has issued 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 UK’s democracy, economy and fundamental rights and freedoms,” the guidelines warn.
“As a politician, candidate, member of the House of Lords or staff member, you are a potential target. Protect yourself and your team by understanding the threat and implementing simple countermeasures.”
How to stay safe
MI5 said the spies sought to exfiltrate sensitive information about the country through a variety of means, from blackmail to phishing. They are often engaged in building deep, long-term relationships, not only to gather information, but also to manipulate and recruit. This cultivation begins with a simple introduction, emphasizing common interests and social gatherings.
“Even if you resist 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 advice from the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) and other security teams. They should also use the BEST principles to take simple actions (Be vigilant, Strengthen security abroad, Secure your information, Trust your instincts).
The fact that China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are targeting Western countries is not news, but attribution is rather tricky. Last week, British prosecutors had to drop the trial of two Britons accused of spying for China because the British government did not provide strong enough evidence to support their claims.
In 2022, U.S. prosecutors indicted two suspected Chinese spies for interfering in a criminal investigation against Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, and in 2019, Polish authorities arrested a Chinese Huawei employee and a Polish national over espionage allegations.
Via PK Press Club
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