Hacktivists breach Idaho nuclear lab, exposing employee data

The Idaho Nationwide Laboratory (INL), a key U.S. nuclear analysis facility, suffered a knowledge breach exposing the non-public data of 1000’s of staff, the lab confirmed this week. The assault was carried out by a hacktivist group calling itself “SiegedSec.”

SiegedSec introduced the hack on Monday through hacking boards and a group-run Telegram channel. ReadWrite independently reviewed the announcement, nevertheless it couldn’t be shared because of the unlawful nature of its content material. The hacker group claimed to have breached INL servers and obtained information on “tons of of 1000’s” of INL staff, system customers, and even non-public residents. The announcement reads:

“Come cease us FBI”

The compromised information contains full names, dates of delivery, e mail addresses, cellphone numbers, social safety numbers, house addresses, employment particulars, and extra. SiegedSec shared screenshots of inside INL instruments, indicating broad entry to the lab’s techniques.

Whereas no nuclear analysis or operational information was leaked, the hack grants perception into INL’s cybersecurity posture.

As a vital website for nuclear R&D throughout superior reactors, waste processing, and nationwide safety, defending INL’s information is paramount. INL spokesperson Lori McNamara confirmed the breach, stating that the lab is investigating the incident depth and dealing with the FBI and Division of Homeland Safety.

This assault comes on the heels of current SiegedSec hacks concentrating on NATO and Atlassian. The group has a historical past of leaking stolen information overtly to spur chaos and demand change from massive establishments. Their brazen methodology stands aside from conventional cybercriminals motivated by monetary achieve.

By concentrating on a nuclear facility, SiegedSec ensures higher legislation enforcement scrutiny of its actions. INL and companions will seemingly prioritize figuring out the hackers and stopping additional compromises. Nonetheless, vital questions stay concerning the preliminary avenue of assault and preventative measures INL can take to keep away from repeats of this breach. In the intervening time, SiegedSec retains its irreverent nature and concludes its announcement with:

“Do medication youngsters, it makes you a greater hacker.”

Featured Picture Credit score: Mikhail Nilov; Pexels; Thanks!