The hack once again drew attention to Microsoft’s large role in providing computer services to the US government
The US State Department database has been compromised again by Chinese hackers, who allegedly stole thousands of emails, according to statements by a Senate staffer.
The hacking group may have similarly attacked Microsoft’s email platform at the start of the year.
The employee, who attended a briefing with State Department Information Technology officials, said they told lawmakers that 60,000 emails were stolen from 10 different State Department accounts.
“We need to strengthen our defenses against these types of cyber attacks and future attacks,” Schmitt said of the actions of Chinese hackers.
Although the victims have not been named, all but one worked in East Asia and the Pacific, he said.
The aide, who works for Senator Eric Schmitt, shared details of the briefing on condition of anonymity.
Allegations that China hacked the State Department have further strained the delicate relationship between the United States and China. Beijing denies it is behind the spying.
The hack also drew attention to Microsoft’s outsized role in providing IT services to the US government.
“We need to carefully analyze the federal government’s reliance on a supplier as a possible weak point,” he added.
The US State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Schmitt’s office did not immediately respond to a request for an interview.Continue Reading
