Chinese Hackers Breach U.S. Treasury: Hackers Target Yellen and Senior Treasury Officials

In a significant cyber intrusion, Chinese state-sponsored Chinese Hackers Breach U.S. Treasury Department’s computer systems, including those of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Bloomberg News, citing sources familiar with the incident, revealed that the hackers gained access to unclassified files on Yellen’s computer. The breach also extended to the computers of Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo and Acting Under Secretary Brad Smith, though the specific extent of the data accessed remains undisclosed. According to the report, fewer than 50 files were accessed on Yellen’s machine.

Breach Details and Treasury’s Response

The cyberattack, described by Treasury officials as a “major incident,” occurred in December and involved the compromise of a third-party cybersecurity service provider, BeyondTrust. The breach allowed the hackers to circumvent the department’s security measures and access sensitive information. The Treasury Department has yet to publicly comment on the breach or provide details about the potential impact on its operations. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about cybersecurity vulnerabilities within government agencies and the critical nature of safeguarding sensitive information.

China’s Denial and Diplomatic Tensions

In response to the allegations, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, refuted the claims, emphasizing that China opposes all forms of hacker attacks. This cyberattack is likely to add to the existing tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. Both nations have previously accused each other of cyber espionage, and this latest incident underscores the persistent threat of state-sponsored hacking. The breach not only raises questions about the security protocols in place but also about the broader implications for U.S.-China relations.