Guardians of the Game: MoD Unveils Strategies to Seal Online Leaks

Following numerous incidents related to the dissemination of confidential military data on gaming platforms, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced its dedication to preventing such leaks.

In response to a written inquiry from James Cartlidge, MP for South Suffolk, Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard emphasized the significant threats posed by unauthorized disclosures.

Confidential Challenger tank specifications disclosed online for videogame

“Unauthorized distribution of information compromises our national security and complicates the safeguarding of the United Kingdom,” declared Pollard. He detailed the MoD’s stringent measures to protect sensitive information, which include rigorous need-to-know protocols, compulsory training, and the Cyber Security Awareness, Behaviour and Culture initiative.

This matter has received renewed scrutiny following a notable leak on the War Thunder forums. As initially reported by the UK Defence Journal, a participant shared classified information about the Eurofighter Typhoon’s CAPTOR radar systems to resolve a technical argument.

Classified tank specifications revealed on War Thunder game forums – once again

This comes after previous disclosures—also exclusively covered by the UK Defence Journal—of confidential details disseminated on the platform about the Challenger 2 tank and additional military systems.

A community manager from War Thunder reiterated their warnings regarding such behavior, stating, “Please do not, under any circumstances, attempt to post or distribute sources unless you are 100% certain they have been legally declassified. No benefit will arise from it for you or the vehicle you are attempting to advocate for.”

Classified fighter jet specifications leaked on War Thunder – once again

Pollard underscored the significance of online conduct, adding, “This approach is reinforced through mandatory training and our Cyber Security Awareness, Behaviour and Culture campaign, which emphasizes the importance of controlling online footprints and refraining from inappropriate information sharing.”

Defence analysts have cautioned about the potentially extensive ramifications of these leaks. An industry insider remarked, “Such leaks may appear innocuous to some, but they can have tangible consequences. Disseminating confidential information jeopardizes platform security and operational readiness.”