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US Marshals Service suffers security breach compromising sensitive information [Video]

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

  • The US Marshals Service suffered a security breach on Feb. 17 that compromised sensitive information.
  • The breach involved a stand-alone USMS system that contained law enforcement sensitive information and personally identifiable information pertaining to subjects of USMS investigations, third parties, and certain USMS employees.
  • The Justice Department is conducting a forensic investigation, and the agency has developed a workaround to continue operations and efforts to track down fugitives.

The US Marshals Service (USMS) suffered a security breach on February 17 that compromised sensitive information, according to multiple senior US law enforcement officials. USMS spokesperson Drew Wade confirmed the breach in a statement, saying that a stand-alone USMS system was affected by a ransomware and data exfiltration event.

The system contained law enforcement sensitive information, including returns from legal process, administrative information, and personally identifiable information pertaining to subjects of USMS investigations, third parties, and certain USMS employees.

The affected system was disconnected from the network, and the Justice Department began a forensic investigation. After briefing senior department officials, the agency determined that the breach constitutes a major incident. The investigation is ongoing, according to Wade.

A senior law enforcement official familiar with the incident said that the breach did not involve the database for the Witness Security Program, commonly known as the witness protection program. The official added that no one in the witness protection program is in danger due to the breach.

However, the breach is significant, as it affects law enforcement sensitive information pertaining to the subjects of Marshals Service investigations.

Despite the breach, the agency has developed a workaround that allows it to continue operations and efforts to track down fugitives. The USMS is responsible for apprehending federal fugitives and protecting federal judges and court facilities. It also manages the Witness Security Program, which provides protection to witnesses who help the government in criminal cases.

Source: NBC News

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2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. Don

    March 2, 2023 at 8:53 am

    I’d wager it was intentional.

  2. CharlieSeattle

    March 3, 2023 at 5:56 pm

    The DOJ/FBI did this. Fk’em!

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