[BreachExchange] U.S. Treasury breached by hackers backed by foreign government - sources

[Destry Winant]

https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-cyber-amazoncom/exclusive-us-treasury-breached-by-hackers-backed-by-foreign-government-sources-idUSL1N2IT0I8

WASHINGTON, Dec 13 (Reuters) - A sophisticated hacking group backed by
a foreign government stole information from the U.S. Treasury
Department and a U.S. agency responsible for deciding policy around
the internet and telecommunications, according to people familiar with
the matter.

“The United States government is aware of these reports and we are
taking all necessary steps to identify and remedy any possible issues
related to this situation,” said National Security Council spokesman
John Ullyot.

There is concern within the U.S. intelligence community that the
hackers who targeted the Treasury Department and the Commerce
Department’s National Telecommunications and Information
Administration used a similar tool to break into other government
agencies, according to three people briefed on the matter.

The hack is so serious it led to a National Security Council meeting
at the White House on Saturday, said one of the people familiar with
the matter. (Reporting by Christopher Bing; Editing by Daniel Wallis)