All politicians are warned over cyber-security after phishing attacks target MPs
A number of MPs were sent phishing emails by hackers attempting to steal personal information
MPS have become the latest group to be targeted by online attacks after it emerged that hackers had sought to infiltrate their computers.
Britain's cyber-security bosses have emailed all MPs and parliamentary candidates warning them to be vigilant against future attacks.
A number of politicians were hit by phishing attacks, intended to trick them into handing over information such as passwords or financial details.
Elections around the world have been repeatedly targeted by hackers attempting to disrupt the democratic process.
And the warning to Britain's MPs comes just days after NHS computer systems were crippled in a separate hacking attack.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) announced that a number of politicians and parliamentary staff were sent phishing emails before the start of the General Election campaign.
The Sun Online understands that four MPs were targeted.
It is not known whether any of the targets were taken in by the spoof messages, or whether any sensitive information has leaked.
The NCSC says more politicians as well as candidates standing for Parliament are likely to be targeted in future.
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Cyber-security chiefs have asked the Electoral Commission to circulate their warning among all candidates.
Prospective MPs have been advised to report any suspicious messages and change their passwords if they fear they have been compromised.
Hackers linked to Russia have previously attacked the Democrats in the US and French President Emmanuel Macron in what is believed to be an attempt to destabilise Western democracies.
A spokesman for the NCSC said today: "We have made guidance available about how candidates in the General Election can protect their digital systems and online profiles.
"This has been published on our website and parties will be signposted to the guidance by the Electoral Commission."
He added that candidates are able to call a 24/7 hotline if they have concerns about cyber-attacks.
Last week, multiple NHS trusts were paralysed by an attack of malware which told them to pay a ransom if they wanted to use their computer systems.
