Cyber Espionage Strikes U.S. Treasury: Chinese Hackers Allegedly Breach Economic Sanctions Office

Chinese government hackers reportedly breached the U.S. Treasury's Office in charge of economic sanctions, accessing unclassified documents and targeting various departments. The hack's exposure highlights potential interests in Chinese entities facing sanctions, sparking diplomatic tension between the U.S. and China. Beijing denies the allegations, calling them unfounded.

In a significant cyber security breach, Chinese government hackers have reportedly infiltrated the U.S. Treasury's office responsible for administering economic sanctions, according to an article published by the Washington Post on Wednesday. The breach casts a spotlight on the U.S.-China diplomatic tensions over cyberspace security.

Sourcing unnamed officials, the Washington Post reported that hackers gained access to the Office of Foreign Assets Control and the Office of Financial Research. They allegedly targeted the office of U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen as well. A recent department letter confirmed a cyberattack, but details on affected users or departments remain undisclosed.

Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu dismissed the claims as "irrational" and without factual support, labeling them smear campaigns against Beijing. The Treasury Department has yet to comment on the report, while the breach allegedly compromises cybersecurity service provider BeyondTrust.

(With inputs from agencies.)