A US Congressman, Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), has revealed that his personal and political emails were targeted and stolen by suspected Chinese hackers, the same group that breached the inboxes of the U.S. State and Commerce departments. Rep. Bacon acknowledged the cyber intrusion, thanking the FBI for notifying him of the breach, which occurred from May 15th to June 16th of the current year.
He emphasized that the hackers exploited a vulnerability in Microsoft software, dispelling any notion of user error. This disclosure was made through a post on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
Rep. Bacon’s revelation underscores the extent of the cyber operation, suggesting that multiple individuals may have fallen victim to the same group. He condemned the actions of the Chinese Communist government, highlighting their active engagement in cyber espionage activities.
In response, Rep. Bacon expressed his commitment to supporting Taiwan’s defense by ensuring the delivery of ordered weaponry. This incident follows a pattern of escalating cyber threats originating from China, and it was reported about a month ago that senior US officials’ emails, including Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns, were also compromised by Chinese hackers.
As concerns mount over cybersecurity, the Homeland Security Department has announced plans to investigate the breach through its Cyber Safety Review Board, with a potential focus on Microsoft’s role in the incident. This incident raises broader questions about the reliance of federal systems on Microsoft products, prompting bipartisan inquiries into the government’s technology partnerships.
