As of Thursday, June 4, the Obama Administration released an announcement of recent cyber terrorism that jeopardizes the information of millions nationwide.
In late April 2015, it was discovered by the Department of Homeland Security that at least 4 million government employees had their personal information breached last December. During the breach, sensitive information regarding employees, such as health history and credit information, was made accessible for an undetermined amount of time.
Initially, it was thought that the data was taken primarily from the Office of Personnel Management, the office responsible for the records of federal employees. The only other federal organization thought to be affected by the attack were laborers for the Department of the Interior.
However, government officials have recently said that the hackers’ attempts have breached almost every federal government agency.
Early investigations point to China as the center of attack, but the probing will continue until substantial evidence is found. China has rejected all counts of the intrusion, with a spokesman from the Chinese Foreign Ministry saying, “If you keep using the words ‘maybe’ or ‘perhaps’ without making a thorough study, this is irresponsible and unscientific.”
China has been the target of previous accusations, but according to the spokesman, China has also been a target of cyber espionage. The source of the hack is remains unsure, as does any government involvement if it does stem from China.
Intentions behind the breach are also up for speculation, with the two main conjectures being the use of the information as pure espionage, or merely for commercial purposes.
The FBI, who is investigating the matter, said in a statement, “We take all potential threats to public and private sector systems seriously and will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who pose a threat in cyberspace.”
Those already affected have been contacted by the Office of Personnel Management. Those potentially at risk have also been notified and warned to keep an eye on their financial records in future
