Kaspersky Software Suspected in Theft of NSA Data

Russian state-sponsored hackers reportedly stole details in 2015 on how the U.S. spies on foreign intelligence targets through cyber espionage, as well as how it defends against cyber operations directed at its classified networks. According to the Wall Street Journal, the material was taken from a NSA contractor’s private computer after the hackers identified highly classified documents through the individual’s use of Kaspersky Lab’s antivirus software.

“The theft, which hasn’t been disclosed, is considered by experts to be one of the most significant security breaches in recent years,” the Wall Street Journal wrote. “It offers a rare glimpse into how the intelligence community thinks Russian intelligence exploits a widely available commercial software product to spy on the U.S.”