Hackers backed by foreign gov’t hack into U.S. Treasury; been in system for months
 

A foreign government backed hacking group has reportedly stolen information from both the United States Treasury Department and an agency in charge of determining policy related to internet and telecommunications, according to a Reuters exclusive report.

Reuters reported that three people briefed on the situation said the U.S. intelligence community is concerned the hacking group who compromised the Treasury Department and the Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) have also used similar tactics to break into other government agencies.

“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,” said John Ullyot, a spokesman for the National Security Council.

According to Reuters, a National Security Council meeting was held at the White House regarding the serious and “sophisticated” hack, one person familiar with the matter said.

The hack is reportedly linked to Microsoft Office 365, the NTIA’s office software. Sources said emails from agency personnel were monitored for months.

Microsoft did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment prior to publishing the exclusive report.

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