The United Kingdom is examining claims of a long-running cyber espionage operation that allegedly targeted mobile phones of senior officials at Downing Street, raising fresh concerns over state-backed hacking and national security. According to a report published by The Telegraph, China-linked actors are suspected of compromising communications belonging to aides of former prime ministers Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak over a period spanning from 2021 to 2024.
Sources cited in the report suggested that while there is no clear evidence that the former prime ministers’ own phones were accessed, the breach extended to individuals working closely with the highest levels of government. One source familiar with the investigation said the alleged intrusion reached “deep into the heart of Downing Street,” potentially exposing sensitive internal communications.
US intelligence officials have reportedly linked the activity to a cyber espionage campaign known as Salt Typhoon, which they believe may still be active. The operation is suspected of targeting government officials, political figures, and institutions across multiple countries. The full scale of the breach and the nature of the data accessed remain unclear, and investigations are ongoing.
The reports have also raised concerns about the security of current UK leadership. Intelligence sources have cautioned that Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his senior staff could also be vulnerable if the alleged cyber activity has not been fully contained. British security agencies are said to be reviewing existing safeguards and digital security protocols to prevent further breaches.
In November, the UK’s domestic intelligence agency MI5 briefed Parliament about the growing threat of Chinese state-linked espionage, warning lawmakers about cyber and political interference risks. While the briefing did not directly reference this specific incident, officials have repeatedly highlighted concerns over foreign cyber operations targeting democratic institutions.
China has previously denied allegations of state-sponsored hacking, stating that it opposes all forms of cyber attacks and accusing Western countries of making unsubstantiated claims. As of now, there has been no official response from Beijing regarding the latest report.
Cybersecurity experts say the incident underscores the increasing vulnerability of political institutions to digital espionage, particularly as government officials rely heavily on mobile devices for communication. Analysts have stressed the need for stronger encryption, tighter access controls, and regular security audits to protect sensitive information.
The UK government has not publicly confirmed the details of the breach but is expected to provide updates as investigations progress. Any verified involvement of a foreign state in hacking government communications could have diplomatic and geopolitical consequences, further straining relations between London and Beijing.
The case highlights the broader challenge facing governments worldwide as cyber threats grow more sophisticated and persistent, making cybersecurity a central pillar of national security policy
