FBI Director 'Sure' Foreign Hackers Have His Personal Data
James Comey says he believes foreign hackers now have some of sensitive files.
— -- The head of the FBI says foreign hackers now have some of his most sensitive files, containing details about his security clearances and his family.
FBI Director James Comey said today he’s one of the "millions and millions" of Americans victimized by what U.S. officials suspect was a Chinese-sponsored heist of sensitive government records.
"It is an enormous breach," Comey told a Senate panel. "It is a huge deal."
Early last month, the Office of Personnel Management disclosed that the personnel records of 4.2 million current and former federal employees had been compromised by a massive cyber-attack. But hackers also broke into files associated with background investigations, stealing forms known as SF-86s that are submitted to apply for security clearances.
"I'm sure the adversary has my SF-86 now," Comey said. "My SF-86 lists every place I've ever lived since I was 18. Every foreign travel I've ever taken. All of my family, [and] their addresses."
The forms ask for spouse's social security numbers, and personal information of other relatives, friends and “associates” spanning several years. Applicants must also detail past drug use, financial history, mental health history and personal relationships.
With several systems breached, tens of millions of people may have had their personal information compromised, sources said. OPM has been working on a more complete assessment of the breach and could announce more details in the coming days.
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