Investing.com — Chinese state-sponsored hackers have reportedly infiltrated the computers of senior leaders at the U.S. Treasury Department, marking a significant breach within the agency. This information comes from a U.S. official and another person familiar with the matter who asked to remain anonymous due to the ongoing investigation.
The hackers gained access to unclassified material stored on the officials’ computers, including both laptops and desktops. The identities of the specific senior leaders whose systems were breached have not been disclosed.
The investigation so far has found that approximately 100 government computers have been compromised. The hackers managed to access drafts and notes related to policy decisions, travel itineraries and travel planning documents for Treasury Department leaders, as well as certain internal communications. The extent of the data collected is still under review by the agency.
However, the sources said the hackers did not breach the department’s email system or classified systems. The breach provides a more comprehensive look at the breach of an agency that plays a critical role in managing the nation’s debt, issuing sanctions and shaping U.S. economic policy.
Chinese officials continue to refute allegations of state-sponsored cyber attacks. A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry called claims that China was behind the hack of the Finance Ministry earlier this week “unwarranted and baseless.”
This article was produced with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our General Terms and Conditions.
