Washington Hackers with suspected links to China appear to have accessed sensitive data on US intelligence and military personnel, American officials say. Details of a major hack emerged last week, but officials have now given details of a potential second breach. It is feared th
Washington
Hackers with suspected links to China appear to have accessed sensitive data on US intelligence and military personnel, American officials say.
Details of a major hack emerged last week, but officials have now given details of a potential second breach.
It is feared that the attack could leave US security personnel or their families open to blackmail.
Officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they believe the attackers have targeted the forms submitted by intelligence and military personnel for security clearances.
The document includes personal information, everything from eye colour, to financial history, to past substance abuse, as well as contact details for the individual's friends and relatives.
A White House statement said investigators had a "high degree of confidence" that background information on government employees had been accessed.
The US has said the hackers, thought to be behind both attacks, are believed to be based in China. Meanwhile, Beijing called the claims "irresponsible".
