Hacking alerts halt the voting process to pick the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. According to reports, the electoral commission placed all voting on hold. This was a result of a threat reports from Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) spy agency, which threat actors are out to tamper with the results.
Tory leadership ballot papers were kept on hold due to security concerns, The Telegraph reported. Postal ballots will arrive on August 11 after adding advanced security measures. Extra security measures were put in place by the (GCHQ) spy agency to prevent further tampering.
Even though the party’s headquarters reaffirmed the delay, they could not give any more details. The party will make further decisions upon consulting the same with the GCHQ.
They had to choose between Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak. Liz has served as Secretary for Foreign Commonwealth and Development Affairs, while Rishi served as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Hacking Could Slow Delay Result
Approximately 160,000 Conservative members are to vote for the next UK PM, and the results are expected to be out on September 5. The next PM will succeed Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson. Spectators said that the voting process supposed to be via post or online. Each member received an email that stated that the authorities disable member’s online codes after receiving the postal votes. This is to curb further threats.
Cybersecurity has become an increasing concern, so the National Cyber Security Center has maintained endless communications with the political parties. They want to ensure that the process is infallible and avoid any risk.
A National Cyber Security Center spokesperson clarified that they are clear about defending the UK democratic and electoral processes as a priority for the NCSC.
They are working closely with all the Parliamentary political parties, local authorities, and members of the parliament. Those members who do not receive a ballot pack by August 11 must contact the party, as stated in an email to the members.
