MoD Data Breach: Inside the £7bn Effort to Save Lives After Afghan Evacuation Information Leak

Jul 15, 2025 United Kingdom United Kingdom Government & Politics
MoD Data Breach: Inside the £7bn Effort to Save Lives After Afghan Evacuation Information Leak

A major MoD data breach exposed sensitive Afghan resettlement information, leading to a £7bn scramble to protect those at risk after the Taliban takeover.

MoD Data Breach Triggers £7bn Emergency Response

A critical data breach within the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has prompted a substantial £7 billion operation aimed at protecting individuals endangered after the fall of Kabul to the Taliban in August 2021.

The Breach and Its Aftermath

The breach compromised sensitive data pertaining to Afghan citizens who supported British forces and sought asylum in the UK. This information, if exploited, could put these individuals and their families at grave risk.

Government Response

The UK government, under the direction of Defence Secretary John Healey, launched a resettlement program to address the unfolding crisis. This initiative aimed to provide safe harbor and support to those affected by the data breach.

Legal Challenges

Simultaneously, the MoD has faced legal battles in the High Court related to managing the consequences of the information leak. The MoD maintained that earlier investigation was impossible, for fear of further spreading the at-risk data.

Focus on Mitigation

The primary objective remains to minimize risks and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals impacted by this serious data breach. Protecting these vulnerable individuals is of utmost importance. The situation is constantly evolving.

By news 4 days ago