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US officials backpedal on claims that government agencies were hacked by Chinese, now ...

Straitstimes • August 29, 2026

FILE PHOTO: U.S. and Chinese flags are seen in this illustration taken March 20, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

WASHINGTON, Aug 28 - U.S. officials are backpedaling on claims that several government agencies were hacked by Chinese spies, now saying that the organizations were among the hackers' targets.

In a freshly edited statement, the Justice Department said Friday that the U.S. Senate, the Federal Reserve, NASA, and others were "among the targets of QTFY," a Chinese spy platform that officials called out on Wednesday during a internet domain seizure operation.

A version of statement said the government agencies had been among the hackers' victims.

A note left at the bottom of the newly edited statement said that "Edits have been made to ensure this press release accurately reflects the government’s allegations in the affidavit in support of the domain seizures."

Reuters could not immediately establish which specific agencies the government now believed had been targeted and which ones had been breached. Messages seeking clarification from the Justice Department, the FBI, and CISA were not immediately returned on Friday. REUTERS

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US Officials Clarify Cyberattack Claims Involving Chinese Hackers On August 28, 2026, U.S. officials revised previous statements claiming that several government agencies were hacked by Chinese spies. The Justice Department clarified that agencies like the U.S. Senate, Federal Reserve, and NASA were targeted but not necessarily breached. This change followed an internet domain seizure operation linked to a Chinese spy platform known as QTFY. The initial claims suggested that these agencies had been victims of a successful cyberattack. The updated statement emphasized the need for accuracy in reflecting the government's allegations. As of now, specific details regarding which agencies were breached remain unclear, and inquiries to the Justice Department and other agencies have gone unanswered. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China regarding cybersecurity. The impact on national security and the integrity of government operations is still being assessed. 6 sources 43

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US officials backpedal on claims that government agencies were hacked by Chinese, now ...

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