The MOD has written to Service personnel and issued FAQs after a payroll network was compromised.
The letter apologises for any anxiety the breach has caused and says that while initial investigations have found no evidence any data has been removed, a full review has been launched. The MOD has stated it is confident that May pay will be unaffected, although there might be a slight delay for expenses claims submitted after 29 April.
The affected system is separate to the military HR system (known as JPA). It is a stand-alone system that transfers pay-related data over the internet. The compromised data involves names, bank details (including those on joint accounts) and some addresses, and could affect anyone who has served in the Armed Forces in the last few years, even if they have now left or – sadly – have passed away.
All current Service personnel have been given access to a personal data protection service provided by Equifax. Information on how to access this service – via ModNet, Defence Gateway and a QR code in the email – has been provided to all service personnel via their chain of command. Veterans are being contacted via DBS.
If you are having difficulties accessing the service, you can contact your Unit Regimental Admin Office (RAO) for a Registration Token to be sent to a private email address. RAOs will ensure email addresses are verifiable and the token will be linked to a specific Service person. If you can’t contact the RAO, please get in touch with your Unit Welfare team.
Pensions are paid via a separate system and are unaffected. War Pension Scheme payments and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments are not affected. Forces Help to Buy payments are not made via payroll and are unaffected.
If you have any questions that are not answered in the letter and FAQs, please speak to your unit RAO, Unit Welfare team or you can contact AFF at contact@aff.org.uk
AFF is feeding in your concerns and questions. We have asked for further details on how families who no longer have access to their Service person’s records can seek advice.
For more information, see Advice on the Armed Forces pay network compromise – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
POSTED ON 9 MAY 2024