USDA Investigates Possible Data Breach Connected To Russian Cyber Hacks

It is unclear just how many USDA employees may be affected and what services the contractor provides.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has opened an investigation after a broad cyber hack was conducted on multiple federal agencies.

A statement read that the USDA is aware of a possible data breach with a vendor that could impact a small amount of employees and any employees whose data may have been affected will be contacted and provided support.

The agency has around 100 thousand employees who manage a wide portfolio of federal programs on nutrition, foreststation and farming. It is unclear just how many USDA employees may be affected and what services the contractor provides.

Officials have blamed the hack on Russian cybercriminals and it is said to be an “opportunistic move to gain access to as many organizations as possible to extort them”.

No federal agencies have reported receiving demands, but corporate victims have previously reported demands of millions of dollars.