Cyber Vulnerability Sweep Picks Up Royal Navy Drones Sending Data To China

A routine security assessment discovered that cameras aboard Royal Navy Kraken unmanned surface vessels were transmitting heartbeat signals to an IP address based in China. Upon further investigation, no evidence emerged that Ministry of Defence (MoD) data or systems were accessed, compromised, or transmitted externally, according to a Ministry of Defense spokesperson.

The assurance and testing procedures implemented by the MoD are aimed at identifying and resolving potential vulnerabilities as soon as they are discovered. The Ministry of Defence continues to conduct routine security activities across its systems and equipment.

The incident highlights concerns about supply chains, audits, and cybersecurity within the British armed forces. According to reports, the cameras used in the Kraken vessels were sourced from a third-party supplier. The Ministry of Defence spokesperson emphasized that the primary responsibility of government is national security, and the security of their equipment, networks, and data is treated with the utmost seriousness.