'US Treasury email accounts were compromised' in cyberattack, says key Democrat

In aftermath of uncovering of a large-scale cyberattack on US government ncies, a key Democratic senator on December 21 ded new details about extent of breach and said that US Treasury Department email accounts were compromised in what is being suspected as Russian hack. As per CNN report, Senator Ron Wyden, top Democrat on Senate Finance Committee said in a statement that committee was informed on hack by both Treasury and IRS officials and it “appears to be significant” and that "dozens of email accounts were compromised". Wyden also said that Treasury is still unaware of all actions taken by hackers or what is stolen information.

"According to Treasury staff, ncy suffered a serious breach, beginning in July, full depth of which isn't kwn. Microsoft tified ncy that dozens of email accounts were compromised. ditionally, hackers broke into systems in Departmental Offices division of Treasury, home to department's highest-ranking officials," Wyden said. "Treasury still does t kw all of actions taken by hackers, or precisely what information was stolen."

However, key Democrat did t mention if Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin was impacted by cyberattack t informed that IRS officials h claimed that ir si evidence if ir ncy was compromised. As per US media reports, officials have suspected that hackers that have been compromising security of federal ncies for several months have Russian links. several impacted ncies also include Departments of Homeland Security, Agriculture and Commerce.

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US Cyberattack 'genuinely impacted' over 50 organisations

US cyber-security firm that h identified large-scale hacking of country’s several federal ncies has reportedly said that it “genuinely impacted” at least 50 organisations. As per a separate media reportreport, CEO of FireEye, Kevin Mandia said that even though 18,000 organisations h malevolent code in ir networks, it was 50 of m that h suffered major impact and security breaches. Some of affected organisations include US Treasury and departments of homeland security, state and defence among ors. 

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently spoke on significant cyberattacks and blamed Russia for same. Similar remarks were echoed by chairs of Senate and House of Representatives’ intelligence committees. However, US President Donald Trump, for whom cyberattacks have been latest blow after failing in reelection bid and spending closing days at White House, cast doubt on Russia’s role in two tweets on December 19 while hinting at China’s involvement. 

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