CBS News confirmed Friday that reporter Sharyl Attkisson's computer was accessed by "an unauthorized, external, unknown party" on numerous occasions.
The news came after Attkisson said in May that her personal and work computers have been compromised for the past two years. CBS News has been investigating the matter, and said in a statement that it found that "an intruder had executed commands that appeared to involve search and exfiltration of data. This party also used sophisticated methods to remove all possible indications of unauthorized activity, and alter system times to cause further confusion."
The network is now working to find the identity of the intruder.
When speaking about the security breaches in May, Attkisson did not make any allegations about who she thought was targeting her, but did say it was possible that the activity was related to the DOJ's secret investigation into Fox News reporter James Rosen. In addition to naming Rosen a "co-conspirator" in a leaks case, the DOJ issued a search warrant for Rosen's emails and seized records for two phone lines at Fox News.
For its part, the DOJ has denied compromising Attkisson's computers, or searching any "media device she may own or use."
Below, read the full text of the statement from CBS News.
A cyber security firm hired by CBS News has determined through forensic analysis that Sharyl Attkisson’s computer was accessed by an unauthorized, external, unknown party on multiple occasions late in 2012. Evidence suggests this party performed all access remotely using Attkisson’s accounts.
While no malicious code was found, forensic analysis revealed an intruder had executed commands that appeared to involve search and exfiltration of data.
This party also used sophisticated methods to remove all possible indications of unauthorized activity, and alter system times to cause further confusion.
CBS News is taking steps to identify the responsible party and their method of access.
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