US Treasury breached by hackers backed by foreign government

A sophisticated hacking group backed by a foreign government stole information from the US Treasury Department and a US agency responsible for deciding policy about the internet and telecommunications, according to people familiar with the matter.

“The US government is aware of these reports and we are taking all necessary steps to identify and remedy any possible issues related to this situation,” said National Security Council spokesperson John Ullyot.

There is concern within the US intelligence community that the hackers who targeted the Treasury Department and the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration used a similar tool to break into other government agencies, according to three people briefed on the matter.

The hack is so serious it led to a National Security Council meeting at the White House on Saturday, said one of the people familiar with the matter.