FBI probes computer security breach targeting Citigroup

FBI is probing a computer-security breach targeting Citibank that resulted in a theft of tens of millions of dollars by hackers who appear linked to a Russian cyber gang, according to a media report.

FBI is probing a computer-security breach targeting Citibank that resulted in a theft of tens of millions of dollars by hackers who appear linked to a Russian cyber gang, according to a media report.

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The Wall Street Journal in a news report said the attack underscores the blurring of lines between criminal and national-security threats in cyber space.

Hackers also assaulted two other entities, at least one of them a US government agency, said people familiar with the attack on Citibank, the daily reported.

Currently the federal government has 27 per cent stake in Citigroup, parent company of the Citibank.

The threat was initially detected by US investigators who saw suspicious traffic coming from Internet addresses that had been used by the Russian Business Network, a Russian gang that has sold hacking tools and software for accessing US government systems.

The group went silent two years ago, but security experts say its alumni have re-emerged in smaller attack groups, the report said.

"Security officials worry that, beyond stealing money, hackers could try to manipulate or destroy data, wreaking havoc on the banking system. When intruders get into one bank, officials say, they may be able to blaze a trail into others," the report said.