Former secretary of state Colin Powell and the Democratic National Committee aren’t the only ones getting hacked, but this one is way too close home for our liking.
First Lady Michelle Obama‘s passport was leaked online as a result of a hacker breaking into a White House contractor Ian Mellul‘s personal gmail, an account that never should contain this type of highly sensitive information. According to NBC News, other leaked material included:
-
Detailed lists of names of Secret Service and White House Military Office staffers who were to travel and manage specific site security for the president and first lady’s trip to Havana, Cuba, in March.
-
The detailed schedules and movements of the first lady on a trip in the U.S.
-
Names, social security numbers, and dates of birth of some White House staff.
-
The detailed schedules and movements of trips for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and former president Bill Clinton.
A senior U.S. intelligence official called the hack “the most damaging compromise of the security of the President of the United States that I’ve seen in decades, all caused by a careless staffer who compromised information outside government systems merely for convenience,” NBC News noted.
While DC Leaks — the same folks responsible for Powell’s leaked emails — are to blame for illegally accessing FLOTUS’ information, it’s been rumored they are just a front for Russian hackers.
The White House has yet to comment on the issue and confirm if the photo of FLOTUS’ passport is actually authentic, but spokesman Josh Earnest said the administration was taking the matter seriously, Reuters noted.
Even U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch has weighed in, saying in a recent news conference, “We’re aware of those media reports, and it is something we’re looking into.”
Leaks like these are becoming more common, with hackers targeting U.S. politicians, both current and former, in recent weeks.
SOURCE: NBC News, Reuters | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
RELATED LINKS:
Michelle Obama Wants To Permanently End Mental Illness Stigma
FLOTUS Hits The Campaign Trail, Says Hillary Clinton Is The Most Qualified Candidate
President Barack & Michelle Obama Bring Grace & Power To The Cover Of Essence
