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| Huge data breach prompts resignation of top US official | Huge data breach prompts resignation of top US official |
| (34 minutes later) | |
| The director of the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has resigned after a massive data breach involving more than 20 million people. | The director of the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has resigned after a massive data breach involving more than 20 million people. |
| Katherine Archuleta said she would step down on Friday to help the department "move beyond the current challenges". | Katherine Archuleta said she would step down on Friday to help the department "move beyond the current challenges". |
| Authorities suspect that Chinese-based hackers targeted the computer systems of the OPM, which acts as the personnel office of the federal government. | Authorities suspect that Chinese-based hackers targeted the computer systems of the OPM, which acts as the personnel office of the federal government. |
| Initially the OPM said four million workers were affected by the breach. | Initially the OPM said four million workers were affected by the breach. |
| However, the department disclosed on Thursday that the data of more than 20 million people, including current and former employees, may have been compromised. | However, the department disclosed on Thursday that the data of more than 20 million people, including current and former employees, may have been compromised. |
| Authorities in Beijing have publicly denied any involvement. | Authorities in Beijing have publicly denied any involvement. |
| Ms Archuleta resignation comes a day after Democrats and Republicans in Congress called for her to step aside as the scope of the data breach expanded significantly. | |
| Among the data targeted were forms used to vet potential employees of federal agencies including as the CIA and branches of the military. | Among the data targeted were forms used to vet potential employees of federal agencies including as the CIA and branches of the military. |
| The stolen data includes health and financial information, criminal records, and the names and addresses of government employees and their relatives. | The stolen data includes health and financial information, criminal records, and the names and addresses of government employees and their relatives. |
| Experts are concerned that the sensitive information could be used to blackmail US agents. | Experts are concerned that the sensitive information could be used to blackmail US agents. |
| But the OPM has said that for anyone who underwent a background investigation in 2000 or afterwards "it is highly likely that the individual is impacted by this cyber breach". | But the OPM has said that for anyone who underwent a background investigation in 2000 or afterwards "it is highly likely that the individual is impacted by this cyber breach". |