US Intelligence Search for Person Who Passed Secret Data to WikiLeaks

CIA and FBI are reportedly trying to identify the individual who was involved in the recent breach that allowed WikiLeaks to publish classified CIA documents.

The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are trying to identify the individual who was involved in the recent breach that allowed WikiLeaks to publish classified CIA documents, including on certain malware that affects smartphones, media report.

The CIA and the FBI are looking for an "insider" who could be a CIA employee or a contractor, sources familiar with the investigation told CBS on Wednesday, specifying that hundreds of people could have had access to the classified material.

Photo: Reuters
Photo: Reuters 

Last week, WikiLeaks published six documents on CIA-developed HIVE malware, which allows to transfer information uncovered by the agency on target devices to the CIA and to receive commands on what to do with the information.

The revelation was part of a larger series of WikiLeaks publications of what it claims are CIA-linked confidential files. WikiLeaks started releasing the confidential data on March 7, publishing documents on various spying techniques and vulnerabilities in major operating systems, studied and documented by the CIA. Part of the data uncovered the existence of a program that purportedly allows the CIA to cover its digital tracks. An April 7 release suggested that the CIA had developed tools that could be used undetected by major anti-virus programs.

The CIA has not confirmed the authenticity of the documents, while the White House has condemned the leak. Last week, CIA Director Mike Pompeo called WikiLeaks a "non-state hostile intelligence service, often abetted by state actors, like Russia."

Responding to Pompeo’s remarks, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said that they are aimed at subverting US democracy and the first amendment of the US constitution.

Sputnik News

Other News

Vietnam supports UNESCO's people-centred approach, multilateral cooperation: official

Vietnam supports UNESCO's people-centred approach, multilateral cooperation: official

Van affirmed Vietnam’s support for the UNESCO80 reform roadmap, focusing on the organisation’s core mandate, priority areas, interdisciplinary approach, and the special status of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, and UNESCO representative offices, alongside efforts to diversify resources and strengthen global partnerships to enhance the organisation’s effectiveness.

Regional media highlight significant step in Vietnam’s leadership structure

Regional media highlight significant step in Vietnam’s leadership structure

Under General Secretary and President Lam’s leadership, Vietnam is expected to maintain a balanced foreign policy, strengthen its regional standing and accelerate economic development, thereby improving living standards and creating new opportunities for international investors, according to the India-based platform Devdiscourse.

Laos identifies 10 key tasks to build independent, self-reliant economy

Laos identifies 10 key tasks to build independent, self-reliant economy

Laos will step up agricultural production to ensure food security, meet domestic demand and expand exports; encourage the development of agro-processing industries, including those related to rubber, aquatic products, cassava and sugarcane, as well as fertiliser and animal feed production, in order to increase added value and create jobs in rural areas.

Malaysia steps up cyber security resilience

Malaysia steps up cyber security resilience

To ensure accountability, Malaysia plans to finalise the Cybercrime Bill this year which addresses both cyber-dependent and cyber-enabled offences, introducing stricter penalties and prison terms to enhance deterrence.

US public opinion positive about PM Pham Minh Chinh’s visit

US public opinion positive about PM Pham Minh Chinh’s visit

Public opinion in the US is generally positive about Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s trip to the US from September 17-23 to attend the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which took place immediately after the upgrading of the Vietnam - US relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership on the occasion of US President Joe Biden’s official visit to Vietnam.