Royal Navy K3 Scout cameras transmit signals to China; MoD investigates vulnerability

Internet Cut; Investigations Completed: Following the discovery, internet connectivity was removed from the affected camera equipment and audits and reviews were launched; investigations reportedly found no evidence that MoD systems or sensitive data were accessed or transmitted externally. Kraken and joint Royal Navy audits said potential vulnerabilities were identified and closed, and the MoD maintained no sensitive information was compromised.

Heartbeat Signals Found To China: During a routine cyber vulnerability assessment (reported in August), the MoD discovered that cameras fitted to K3 Scout vessels were sending ‘heartbeat’ communications — simple online-status signals — to an IP address in China. The revelation was reported to have been identified after the fleet entered service and was flagged at Special Boat Service headquarters in Poole.

Wider Supply-Chain Scrutiny Grows: The incident intensified scrutiny of defence supply chains and the security of third‑party components, echoing concerns raised in the Strategic Defence Review published in June reliance on dual‑use technologies and resilience to supply‑chain shocks. Officials and security experts warned that minor embedded hardware and software components can create vulnerabilities even in domestically assembled equipment.

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Internet Cut; Investigations Completed: Following the discovery, internet connectivity was removed from the affected camera equipment and audits and reviews were launched; investigations reportedly found no evidence that MoD systems or sensitive data were accessed or transmitted externally. Kraken and joint Royal Navy audits said potential vulnerabilities were identified and closed, and the MoD maintained no sensitive information was compromised.

Heartbeat Signals Found To China: During a routine cyber vulnerability assessment (reported in August), the MoD discovered that cameras fitted to K3 Scout vessels were sending ‘heartbeat’ communications — simple online-status signals — to an IP address in China. The revelation was reported to have been identified after the fleet entered service and was flagged at Special Boat Service headquarters in Poole.

Wider Supply-Chain Scrutiny Grows: The incident intensified scrutiny of defence supply chains and the security of third‑party components, echoing concerns raised in the Strategic Defence Review published in June reliance on dual‑use technologies and resilience to supply‑chain shocks. Officials and security experts warned that minor embedded hardware and software components can create vulnerabilities even in domestically assembled equipment.

Ministry of Defence (MOD)