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Massive Data Breach Could Affect Every Federal Agency

China-based hackers are suspected once again of breaking into U.S. government computer networks, and the entire federal workforce could be at risk this time.

China-based hackers are suspected once again of breaking into U.S. government computer networks, and the entire federal workforce could be at risk this time, reports the Associated Press.

In response to the reported breach of 4 million current and past federal workers' personal information, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management issued a statement:

"The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recently became aware of a cybersecurity incident affecting its systems and data that may have compromised the personal information of current and former Federal employees.

"Beginning June 8 and continuing through June 19, OPM will be sending notifications to approximately 4 million individuals whose Personally Identifiable Information was potentially compromised in this incident. The email will come from opmcio@csid.com and it will contain information regarding credit monitoring and identity theft protection services being provided to those Federal employees impacted by the data breach. In the event OPM does not have an email address for the individual on file, a standard letter will be sent via the U.S. Postal Service.

"In order to mitigate the risk of fraud and identity theft, OPM is offering affected individuals credit monitoring services and identity theft insurance with CSID, a company that specializes in identity theft protection and fraud resolution. This comprehensive, 18-month membership includes credit report access, credit monitoring, identity theft insurance, and recovery services and is available immediately at no cost to affected individuals identified by OPM.

"Additional information is available beginning at 8 a.m. CST on June 8, 2015 on the company’s website, www.csid.com/opm, and by calling toll-free 844-222-2743 (International callers: call collect 512-327-0700)."

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