The fake government websites that could be used to target MPs: Foreign hackers could buy 'spoof' web addresses for just £10 that look just like the real thing, tech experts warn

A former ministerial adviser has warned the Government could face attacks from foreign hackers using rogue 'spoof' website addresses that look like the real thing - after his former colleagues said it would be too expensive to take the dodgy domains offline. Leon Emirali, a former aide to Chief Secretary to the Treasury Steve Barclay, purchased some of the most convincing-looking web addresses that, to the untrained eye, could be mistaken for real UK Government websites. Tech entrepreneur Leon Emirali says he bought up five web addresses that could pass for real Government domains and offered to hand them over free of charge He wrote to Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and cybersecurity minister Pat McFadden to make him aware of the security threat He is concerned that foreign hackers from Russia could use the fake domains in an attempt to dupe civil servants or even MPs and ministers with dangerous links He added that, even if domains like those weren't seized by foreign hackers, they could be used by scammers to send out waves of phishing emails. Hackers who buy up dodgy domains could send emails like this from real-looking email addresses, making them even more convincing Records show that no10gov.uk, the most convincing of Mr Emirali's fake domains, has now been permanently blocked off MailOnline found that some convincing-looking web addresses for the Cabinet Office and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology can still be snapped up - for just a penny Nominet is the company responsible for all website domains ending.uk, and has the power to block any addresses suspected of being used in criminal activities.