Image depicting a cyber attack on NOAA climate agency websites - Global Banking & Finance Review
This image illustrates the recent cyber attack on NOAA's websites, which oversee crucial climate programs. The breach, attributed to hackers from China, highlights significant security concerns in federal agencies. This incident is a key topic in banking and finance news due to its implications for national security and data integrity.
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US CONFIRMS CLIMATE AGENCY WEBSITES HACKED

Published by Gbaf News

Posted on November 13, 2014

1 min read
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BRANDON BAILEY, AP Technology Writer

Chinese Hackers Breach Federal Climate Systems

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A U.S. Congressman says hackers from China were able to breach computer systems operated by the federal agency that oversees the National Weather Service and other climate-related programs.

NOAA Confirms Four Websites Compromised

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency spokesman Scott Smullen confirmed in a statement Wednesday that four websites were “compromised by an Internet-sourced attack,” forcing the NOAA to perform unscheduled maintenance in recent weeks. He says services have been restored but declined further comment.

Congressman Accuses NOAA of Silence

U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf, a Republican from Virginia, says in an interview that NOAA officials told him the attack originated in China. He accuses the agency of keeping quiet about the attacks until reporters from the Washington Post began asking about the maintenance.

Wolf chairs a subcommittee that oversees the agency’s budget.

Key Takeaways

  • Four NOAA websites were compromised by an internet-sourced attack, prompting unscheduled maintenance
  • NOAA confirmed services have been fully restored but declined to detail the source of the attack
  • Rep. Frank Wolf stated NOAA officials told him the breach originated from China and accused the agency of delaying disclosure
  • The breach affected the federal agency overseeing the National Weather Service and climate-related programs

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Which agency was hacked?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which oversees the National Weather Service and climate programs.
How many websites were affected?
Four NOAA websites were compromised by the internet-sourced attack.
Has NOAA restored services?
Yes, NOAA performed unscheduled maintenance and confirmed that all services have been fully restored.
Who is attributed as the source of the attack?
U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf said NOAA officials told him the attack originated in China, although NOAA declined to confirm the source publicly.

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