On Friday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo publicly linked Russia to the recent data breach. We currently know the computer hack targeted at least six federal agencies including the Department of Homeland Security’s cyber arm and the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, and State. Investigators are still trying to determine the extent of the information that was accessed or stolen in the Russian hack and even when the public is made aware of their findings most information will most likely remain classified.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has determined that the hackers used a third-party software to embed code into US government systems, private companies, and governments across the world. The agency previously said Russia had used network management software from Texas-based Solar Winds which is used by federal civilian agencies for network management to infiltrate computer networks. This cyberattack is now being called the worst hacking case in the history of America because it was hard to detect in the first place and will prove to be even more difficult to undo, as it initially began in March.
Russian Hack
President Trump has remained silent on the issue, not saying anything publicly despite it being the most significant breach of the US government in years, posing huge risks to both public and private sectors alike. Sources say he is continuing to work behind the scenes and is being briefed on all matters.
Tech giant Microsoft has been helping behind the scenes, already identifying more than 40 government agencies, think-tanks, non-governmental agencies and IT companies that were infiltrated by the Russian hackers. While the US was clearly targeted, countries like Canada, Mexico, Belgium, Spain, the UK, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates were also affected.
Written by: Kelly Stewart