China said the United States’ accusation that hackers from the country breached personal information off the federal government’s network is “groundless.”
The information of approximately 21.5 million government employees and contractors was stolen when the Office of Personal Management’s data was hacked, a breach U.S. intelligence officers have traced back to China.
The country is firing back at the claims, and continues to deny any involvement in the matter.
“We hope that the U.S. stops its groundless attacks against China, start dialogue based on a foundation of mutual respect, and jointly build a cyberspace that is peaceful, secure, open and cooperative,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei said, Reuters reports.
The White House is currently considering placing sanctions on state-owned businesses in the country they believe benefited from the information.
U.S. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said the U.S. needs to step up its cyber security measure during a House Intelligence Committee Thursday.
“Although China is an advanced cyber actor in terms of capabilities, Chinese hackers are often able to gain access to their targets without having to resort to using advanced capabilities,” Clapper said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with Internet czar Lu We are set to meet with President Barack Obama Sept. 23.
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