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What Federal Employees Really Need To Worry About After the Chinese Hack

HughPickens.com writes: Lisa Rein writes in the Washington Post that a new government review of what the Chinese hack of sensitive security clearance files of 21 million people means for national security is in — and some of the implications are quite grave. According to the Congressional Research Service, covert intelligence officers and their operations could be exposed and high-resolution fingerprints could be copied by criminals. Some suspect that the Chinese government may build a database of U.S. government employees that could help identify U.S. officials and their roles or that could help target individuals to gain access to additional systems or information. National security concerns include whether hackers could have obtained information that could help them identify clandestine and covert officers and operations (PDF).

CRS says that if the fingerprints in the background investigation files are of high enough quality, "depending on whose hands the fingerprints come into, they could be used for criminal or counterintelligence purposes." Fingerprints also could be trafficked on the black market for profit — or used to blow the covers of spies and other covert and clandestine officers, the research service found. And if they're compromised, fingerprints can't be reissued like a new credit card, the report says, making "recovery from the breach more challenging for some."
vivaoporto Also points out that these same hackers are believed to be responsible for hacking United Airlines.

3 of 123 comments (clear)

  1. No problem! by Qzukk · · Score: 4, Funny

    Just issue everyone a new set of fingerprints.

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    If I have been able to see further than others, it is because I bought a pair of binoculars.
  2. Re:Multi-factor is the only right way by Ol+Olsoc · · Score: 4, Funny

    Proper authentication is made up of at least two of the following:

    Something you know

    I have a big Dick

    Something you have

    A big Dick

    Something you are

    A big Dick

    Huh - didn't know it would be so easy......

    --
    The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
  3. Re:Multi-factor is the only right way by Required+Snark · · Score: 4, Funny

    Being a Bid Dick and all, you are a perfect candidate to be in charge of security at OMB. Being a Dick seems to be the only qualification you need.

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    Why is Snark Required?