Administration confirms network hacks on Commerce, Treasury, maybe others, foreign agents suspected

Probe into hack appears to be focusing on software made by company SolarWinds.

Published: December 13, 2020 5:41pm

Updated: December 14, 2020 9:21am

The Trump administration has acknowledged that hackers acting on behalf of a foreign government broke into several U.S. government computer networks including those for the Treasury and Commerce departments.

“The United States government is aware of these reports, and we are taking all necessary steps to identify and remedy any possible issues related to this situation,” John Ullyot, a spokesman for the National Security Council, said Sunday.

The foreign government for which the hackers were working is purportedly Russia and its intelligence agency.

The hacked Commerce Department agency is the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, according to several news reports 

Federal officials appear to be focusing on a specific piece of software in connection to the hack. Late Sunday, the Department of Homeland Security ordered all federal agencies to stop using a network management software made by a company called SolarWinds, according to The New York Times.

Unlock unlimited access

  • No Ads Within Stories
  • No Autoplay Videos
  • VIP access to exclusive Just the News newsmaker events hosted by John Solomon and his team.
  • Support the investigative reporting and honest news presentation you've come to enjoy from Just the News.
  • Just the News Spotlight

    Support Just the News