In a significant cybersecurity breach, China-backed hackers have successfully compromised workstations within the U.S. Treasury Department, raising serious concerns about national security and the integrity of federal systems. The breach, described by officials as a “major incident,” is part of a broader campaign targeting U.S. government agencies.

The attack reportedly exploited vulnerabilities in commonly used software, enabling the hackers to infiltrate multiple workstations within the Treasury Department. Early investigations suggest the group responsible is linked to the Chinese government, though exact details about the extent of the breach remain classified.

The hackers appear to have targeted sensitive information related to U.S. economic policies and financial operations. While it is unclear how much data was accessed or exfiltrated, officials are working urgently to assess the damage and secure the compromised systems.

The Treasury Department has activated its cybersecurity protocols and is working closely with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), as well as other federal partners, to contain the breach.

In a public statement, a Treasury spokesperson emphasized the importance of transparency and reassured the public that critical financial systems remain operational and secure.

“The U.S. government is taking all necessary steps to investigate and mitigate this intrusion. Protecting our national security and the integrity of federal systems is our top priority,” the spokesperson said.

This breach is the latest in a series of cyberattacks attributed to Chinese state-sponsored hacking groups. Experts warn that these campaigns are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting U.S. government agencies, private companies, and critical infrastructure.

China has denied involvement in such activities, maintaining that it is also a victim of cyberattacks. However, cybersecurity analysts argue that the scale and precision of these operations suggest state sponsorship.

This breach raises alarms about the vulnerabilities within U.S. government systems and the escalating nature of cyber threats from foreign adversaries. Lawmakers are calling for urgent action to bolster the nation’s cybersecurity defenses, including increased funding for federal cybersecurity initiatives and tighter collaboration between public and private sectors.

As the investigation unfolds, officials are expected to provide further updates on the scope of the breach and steps being taken to prevent future incidents.

The breach of U.S. Treasury workstations is a stark reminder of the ever-present cyber threats faced by government agencies. As the nation grapples with the implications of this attack, it underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and maintain national security in an increasingly digital age.