Contractor that performs security background checks for DHS, other agencies suffers computer breach

Source: FireceGovernmentIT

August 7, 2014

Federal law enforcement officials are investigating a computer attack on a government contractor's network that performs background security checks for Homeland Security Department personnel and other agencies, the contractor said Aug. 6.

In a statement posted on its website, USIS said its internal IT security team discovered the attack on its network and the company immediately notified relevant federal agencies.

"We are working closely with federal law enforcement authorities and have retained an independent computer forensics investigations firm to determine the precise nature and extent of any unlawful entry into our network," the USIS statement reads. "Experts who have reviewed the facts gathered to-date believe it has all the markings of a state-sponsored attack."

USIS, which is the largest commercial provider of background investigations for the federal government, did not say when the breach occurred or how many people may have been affected.

Read more: http://www.fiercegovernmentit.com/story/contractor-performs-security-background-checks-dhs-other-agencies-suffers-c/2014-08-07