• Chinese state-sponsored hackers compromised the US Treasury, accessing computers of top officials, including Secretary Janet Yellen.
• The breach targeted unclassified files, with reports indicating less than 50 were accessed on Yellen's machine.
• Elon Musk criticized the Treasury's cybersecurity, questioning the ability of Yellen to manage her technology.
• Investigators attributed the cyberattack to Chinese actors known as Silk Typhoon and UNC5221.
• The hack coincided with congressional briefings related to national security over potential foreign financing threats.

In a significant cybersecurity breach, Chinese state-sponsored hackers accessed the computer of US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, along with the machines of her top aides, Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo and Acting Under Secretary Brad Smith. Reports indicate that the hackers managed to access unclassified files, including approximately 50 documents directly linked to Yellen's system, as detailed by sources acquainted with the incident (source: SCMP).

The targeted infiltration underscores a broader campaign by Chinese operatives, as they breached systems associated with the Treasury's role in sanctions and international affairs. Fortunately, sensitive email and classified systems remain untouched, according to a Treasury report (source: India Times).

As the news surfaced, tech mogul Elon Musk ridiculed the incident, claiming, "A 12-year-old script kiddie could hack into Yellen's computer. I doubt she knows how to reboot her WiFi router." His remarks sparked discussions surrounding the cybersecurity preparedness of high-ranking officials.

The hackers reportedly exploited a third-party contractor's vulnerabilities, leading to the compromise of more than 400 machines and access to over 3,000 files on unclassified devices. The attack has been linked to a group identified as Silk Typhoon and UNC5221, known for their preference for document collection during off-peak hours to evade detection (source: SCMP).

In response to the breach, the Treasury has engaged with Congress to address the implications of this major cybersecurity incident, confirming ongoing investigations. The agency has emphasized that there is currently no evidence suggesting the attackers maintain access to any Treasury information. As discussions about national security and foreign intelligence continue, this breach raises critical questions regarding the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures in safeguarding sensitive governmental operations.

For further details on the breach and its implications, readers can refer to the original articles from SCMP and India Times.