Over 25 million people have been affected by the cyberattacks on OPM
There have been a total of 25.7 million people whose information was stolen after cyberattacks on the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) information technology (IT) systems and background investigation databases.
During the month of December 2014, hackers hacked into the IT systems and stole the names, phone numbers, and addresses of 4.2 million past and present civilian employees.
OPM reported that the cyberattack occurred because the security system had not been updated.
Last week, OPM reported that hackers hacked into the background investigation databases and stole information from 21.5 million people.
The stolen information includes social security numbers, fingerprints, usernames, passwords, and information about civilian employees’ family members.
OPM announced a 15 point plan that will help the agency to increase its chances of preventing future cyberattacks.
The plan includes a two-step authentication process, increasing the amount of time the systems are monitored, and adding a cybersecurity advisor.
However, there is not much confidence that OPM will be able to successfully stop a future cyberattack on its systems.
During an interview on Fox News’ “Fox News Sunday,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) warned that U.S. officials do not have the intellectual ability to handle a cyberattack.
Like McConnell, Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) said the incompetence level was high and he pushed for the removal of OPM Director Katherine Archuleta and Chief Information Officer Donna Seymour.
The second cyberattack has resulted in Archuleta’s resignation. On the Director’s blog, Archuleta stressed that her resignation is due to her belief that another director will be able to better handle the issues the agency faces.
Archuleta is quoted as saying, “I conveyed to the President that I believe it is best for me to step aside and allow new leadership to step in, enabling the agency to move beyond the current challenges and allowing the employees at OPM to continue their important work.”
Although it is not known who is responsible for the attacks, some politicians believe that China is the number one suspect.
A major concern that some politicians have expressed is that China is trying to start cyber warfare with the U.S.
The concern about China is a result of the country’s history of stealing information from U.S. companies and the federal government.
China denies the allegations, and insists that its goal is to promote cybersecurity. For their part, the Obama Administration has ruled China out as a possible suspect.
During the month of December 2014, hackers hacked into the IT systems and stole the names, phone numbers, and addresses of 4.2 million past and present civilian employees.
OPM reported that the cyberattack occurred because the security system had not been updated.
Last week, OPM reported that hackers hacked into the background investigation databases and stole information from 21.5 million people.
The stolen information includes social security numbers, fingerprints, usernames, passwords, and information about civilian employees’ family members.
OPM announced a 15 point plan that will help the agency to increase its chances of preventing future cyberattacks.
The plan includes a two-step authentication process, increasing the amount of time the systems are monitored, and adding a cybersecurity advisor.
However, there is not much confidence that OPM will be able to successfully stop a future cyberattack on its systems.
During an interview on Fox News’ “Fox News Sunday,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) warned that U.S. officials do not have the intellectual ability to handle a cyberattack.
Like McConnell, Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) said the incompetence level was high and he pushed for the removal of OPM Director Katherine Archuleta and Chief Information Officer Donna Seymour.
The second cyberattack has resulted in Archuleta’s resignation. On the Director’s blog, Archuleta stressed that her resignation is due to her belief that another director will be able to better handle the issues the agency faces.
Archuleta is quoted as saying, “I conveyed to the President that I believe it is best for me to step aside and allow new leadership to step in, enabling the agency to move beyond the current challenges and allowing the employees at OPM to continue their important work.”
Although it is not known who is responsible for the attacks, some politicians believe that China is the number one suspect.
A major concern that some politicians have expressed is that China is trying to start cyber warfare with the U.S.
The concern about China is a result of the country’s history of stealing information from U.S. companies and the federal government.
China denies the allegations, and insists that its goal is to promote cybersecurity. For their part, the Obama Administration has ruled China out as a possible suspect.
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