US confirms cyberattacks on government agencies

The US government confirmed Sunday that its computer networks
had been hit by a cyberattack, as The Washington Post reported at
least two departments had been targeted by Russian state
hackers.

“We have been working closely with our agency partners regarding
recently discovered activity on government networks,” a
spokesperson for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security
Agency revealed.

“CISA is providing technical assistance to affected entities as
they work to identify and mitigate any potential compromises.”

The Post said the hacks were linked to an attack last week on
cybersecurity firm FireEye, which said its own defenses were
breached by sophisticated attackers who stole tools used to test
customers’ computer systems.

FireEye said it suspected the attack was state-sponsored.

US media reports also said the FBI was investigating a group
working for the Russian foreign intelligence service, SVR, and that
breaches had been taking place for months.

The same group also reportedly hacked US government agencies
during the Obama administration.

“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,” National Security Council
spokesman John Ullyot said.

Russia’s embassy in the US hit back later Sunday against what it
said were the “unfounded” media claims, denying any role in the
alleged attacks.

“Malicious activities in the information space contradicts the
principles of the Russian foreign policy, national interests and
our understanding of interstate relations,” the embassy said in a
statement on its official Facebook page.

“Russia does not conduct offensive operations in the cyber
domain.”

The US government confirmed Sunday that its computer networks
had been hit by a cyberattack, as The Washington Post reported at
least two departments had been targeted by Russian state
hackers.

“We have been working closely with our agency partners regarding
recently discovered activity on government networks,” a
spokesperson for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security
Agency revealed.

“CISA is providing technical assistance to affected entities as
they work to identify and mitigate any potential compromises.”

The Post said the hacks were linked to an attack last week on
cybersecurity firm FireEye, which said its own defenses were
breached by sophisticated attackers who stole tools used to test
customers’ computer systems.

FireEye said it suspected the attack was state-sponsored.

US media reports also said the FBI was investigating a group
working for the Russian foreign intelligence service, SVR, and that
breaches had been taking place for months.

The same group also reportedly hacked US government agencies
during the Obama administration.

“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,” National Security Council
spokesman John Ullyot said.

Russia’s embassy in the US hit back later Sunday against what it
said were the “unfounded” media claims, denying any role in the
alleged attacks.

“Malicious activities in the information space contradicts the
principles of the Russian foreign policy, national interests and
our understanding of interstate relations,” the embassy said in a
statement on its official Facebook page.

“Russia does not conduct offensive operations in the cyber
domain.”