Hackers have stolen personal information from millions more people than previously estimated in a massive attack on US government databases. The
ADVERTISEMENTHackers have stolen personal information from millions more people than previously estimated in a massive attack on US government databases.
The Office of Personnel Management which handles human
resources says data has been stolen from 21.5 million people who have undergone background checks.
This includes their Social Security numbers.
That is in addition to data on over 4 million current and former federal workers stolen in what is being called a “separate but related” incident. Many people were affected by both hacks.
China has been widely seen as the prime suspect in the breach, which the US considers one of the most damaging on record. Beijing firmly denies any involvement.
OPM said in a statement that its investigation had found no information “at this time” to suggest any misuse or further dissemination of the information stolen from its systems.