On October 20th, 2011 (on what has been a good night for cybernews, apparently) Jim Finkle reported for Reuters Canada on how hackers infiltrated Nasdaq's computer systems and installed malicious software that allowed them to spy on the directors of publicly held companies. It is not known what information the hackers might have stolen or how long the system was breached, but the FBI and NSA are currently investigating. The hackers infiltrated a software program called Directors Desk, which thereby gave them access to confidential documents and board director communications.
Executive Assistant FBI Director Shawn Henry commented that with regard to the financial services sector, "We know adversaries have full unfettered access to certain networks. Once there they have the ability to destroy data. We see that as a credible threat to all sectors, but specifically the financial services sector." Furthermore, US Army General Keith Alexander, head of the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command, said the NSA was working with Nasdaq to help protect its network against further attacks.
The source article can be found here.
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