Recently, hackers breached email accounts of several journalists at The Washington Post. The newspaper quickly discovered the attack on Thursday evening and promptly began an investigation. By Sunday, June 15, management sent an internal memo to employees, alerting them about the targeted intrusion.
Attack Specifically Targeted Key Journalists
According to The Wall Street Journal, hackers specifically targeted journalists covering sensitive topics. These topics included national security, economic policy, and reporting related to China. Additionally, this targeted approach clearly indicates the hackers aimed at obtaining strategic and confidential information.
Moreover, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, owns The Washington Post. Consequently, this publication continues to significantly influence public opinion in the United States.
Microsoft Exchange Systems Frequently Attacked
Advanced persistent threats (APTs) often exploit widely used platforms such as Microsoft Exchange. Historically, threat actors from China consistently targeted these email systems. For instance, two years ago, Chinese hackers breached Microsoft Exchange servers, compromising government communications globally.
Furthermore, cybersecurity firm ESET reported in 2021 that several Chinese hacking groups exploited zero-day vulnerabilities in Exchange. Notable groups included APT27, Bronze Butler, and Calypso. Therefore, these persistent threats highlight the urgent need for strengthened cybersecurity measures.
At present, The Washington Post has not publicly disclosed detailed information about the breach due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation.
