- Mar 2, 2023
- 1,132
Idaho National Nuclear Lab Targeted in Major Data Breach
The laboratory operates a major test reactor, tests advanced nuclear energy concepts, and conducts research involving hydrogen production and bioenergy.
www.darkreading.com
The Idaho National Laboratory (INL), one of the 17 national labs in the US Department of Energy complex, suffered a major data breach on Nov. 19, leaking a host of information, including employee addresses, Social Security numbers, bank account information, full names, employee information, and dates of birth. The lab employs over 6,100 researchers who focus on nuclear research, renewable energy systems, and security solutions.
On Nov. 20, SiegedSec claimed responsibility over the attack in an announcement on hacking forums and leaked the stolen information, including what it claims is "hundreds of thousands of user, employee, and citizen data." The group also allegedly posted screenshots of internal INL tools to provide proof of the breach on Telegram.
"Although media surrounding this event claims that no nuclear secrets, intellectual property or R&D information was accessed or stolen, which is fortunate, it is nonetheless highly disconcerting that the staff generating that intellectual property and participating in the most advanced Nuclear Energy R&D have had their information leaked online," stated Colin Little, security engineer at Centripetal, in an email. "