Chinese Hackers Silk Typhoon and UNC5221 Access Fewer Than 50 Files on Janet Yellen's Computer

Jan 17, 2025, 12:38 AM

Chinese state-sponsored hackers have infiltrated the computer of U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, accessing fewer than 50 unclassified files as part of a broader cyberattack on the U.S. Treasury Department. The breach also compromised the computers of two of Yellen's deputies, Wally Adeyemo and Brad Smith. The hackers, identified as part of the groups Silk Typhoon and UNC5221, accessed over 3,000 files across more than 400 laptop and desktop machines, including sensitive law enforcement data and material related to investigations by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. The attack focused on the Treasury's roles in sanctions, intelligence, and international affairs but did not penetrate the department's email or classified systems. Treasury officials briefed Capitol Hill on the incident, which was discovered after software contractor BeyondTrust Corp. notified the department of the breach on December 8.