Reports surfaced late Wednesday that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service believes the theft of over 100,000 taxpayers’ personal data from its computer system originated in Russia.
The IRS’ criminal unit is leading an investigation into the cyber attack, which saw criminals steal information through an online IRS application over a period of four months. The Treasury Department’s inspector general and the Department of Homeland Security are all examining the breach.
It’s also probable that the U.S. secret agencies such as the NSA and CIA are also involved given the international nature of the attack and the fact it was against a government system.
The IRS did not publicly comment on the hackers’ identities during a news conference on Tuesday when it told the public of the breach.
The Senate Finance Committee, which oversees the IRS, announced on Wednesday that it will hold a hearing next Tuesday on the data theft.
IRS Commissioner John Koskinen will testify, along with J. Russell George, the Treasury Department’s inspector general for tax administration.
Stay Connected
