Categories: Security

Russian Hackers Obtained Obama Emails

A hack on White House systems by Russian attackers last year was more serious than was disclosed at the time, resulting in the compromise of non-classified emails written by US President Barack Obama, according to a Saturday report.

The hackers obtained archived emails of people inside the White House, and possibly some outside, with whom Obama regularly communicated, according to The New York Times, which cited unnamed senior US government officials briefed on the investigation.

Sensitive data

The officials reportedly said the emails could have contained sensitive information including schedules, email exchanges with ambassadors and diplomats, discussions of personnel moves and legislation.

The attack also affected the US State Department, but does not seem to have compromised the US government’s classified network, Jwics (Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System), or Obama’s email or BlackBerry accounts, according to the report.

The hack was first disclosed in October of last year, when an official told The Washington Post that an “activity of concern” had been detected on the unclassified Executive Office of the President network, with remediation measures resulting in “the disruption of regular services to users”.

CNN reported earlier this month that the breach was more serious than had first been reported, and that Russia was likely to have been responsible, claiming hackers had obtained information on Obama’s schedule. Last week Kaspersky Lab said the malware used in the attacks indicated a Russian origin.

Russian threat

The New York Times’ sources confirmed that the attack seems to have originated from Russia and was probably linked to the Russian government.

Officially, the US government has declined to identify those it believes are responsible for the incident, in contrast to last year’s hack on Sony Pictures, for which it publicly accused North Korea.

Officials are releasing a minimum of information about the incident in order to avoid letting Russia know what was learned in the investigation, according to the report’s sources.

The breach occurred at a time of heightened political tensions with Russia.

Are you a security pro? Try our quiz!

Matthew Broersma

Matt Broersma is a long standing tech freelance, who has worked for Ziff-Davis, ZDnet and other leading publications

Recent Posts

The Sustainability of AI

While AI promises unparalleled efficiency, productivity, and innovation, questions regarding its environmental impact loom large.…

2 hours ago

Trump’s Truth Social Makes Successful Market Debut

Shares in Donald Trump’s social media company rose about 16 percent after first day of…

2 hours ago

Dutch PM Raises Cyber Espionage Case With China’s Xi

Beijing visit sees Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte discuss cyber espionage incident with Chinese President…

3 hours ago

Vodafone Germany Confirms 2,000 Job Losses, Amid European Restructuring

More downsizing at Vodafone after German operation announces 2,000 jobs will be axed, as automation…

19 hours ago

AI Poses ‘Jobs Apocalypse’, Warns Report

IPPR report warns AI could remove almost 8 million jobs in the United Kingdom, with…

20 hours ago

Europe’s Longest Hyperloop Test Track Opens

European Hyperloop Center in the Netherlands seeks to advance futuristic transport technology, despite US setbacks

21 hours ago