The UK Ministry of Defence experienced a major data breach due to a suspected cyberattack attributed to the Chinese state, compromising personnel names and bank details.

Despite the breach involving a third-party payroll system and potential delays in expense payments, no evidence currently suggests that data was actually extracted.

The incident has prompted discussions on the safety of sharing sensitive intelligence with the UK, with the Defence Secretary set to address Parliament on the matter.

The UK has responded to the threat by raising cyber threat levels and imposing sanctions on individuals and entities linked to China for cyberattack involvement.

Calls for recognizing China as a systemic threat have intensified among British MPs, including Labour's shadow defence secretary and Conservative MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith.

In light of the breach, there is an increased call for bolstered investment in national defense and security to protect against such cyber threats.

NATO allies are also being warned of the potential risk of being targets for similar cyberattacks.