CBS News reporter Sharyl Attkisson’s computer was compromised via “sophisticated methods” that included a concerted attempt to cover up hacking tracks, a cyber security firm found on Friday.
Ms. Attkisson announced back in May that CBS was looking into “some compromising of my computer systems in my house, my personal computer systems as well as my work computer system,” during a radio show interview. Now, CBS has some information about that compromise — and it’s more in-depth and sophisticated than originally thought.
Sonya McNair, a CBS spokeswoman, said in a statement posted by Mediaite: “A cyber security firm hired by CBS News has determined through forensic analysis that Sharyl Attkisson’s computer was accessed by an unauthorized, external, unknown party on multiple occasions late in 2012. Evidence suggests this party performed all access remotely using Attkisson’s accounts. While no malicious code was found, forensic analysis revealed an intruder had executed commands that appeared to involve search and exfiltration of data.”
The hackers also “used sophisticated methods to remove all possible indications of unauthorized activity, and alter system times to cause further confusion,” Ms. McNair said in the statement.
CBS is now trying to identify the guilty party, she added.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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