US government agencies attacked by hackers in software update

U.S. government agencies were hit by a widespread campaign of cyber-attacks by hackers who were suspected of exploiting a flaw in the update of a U.S. software company, according to three people familiar with the investigation.

“The United States government is aware of these reports and we are taking all necessary steps to identify and remedy any possible issues related to this situation,” John Ullyot, a spokesman for the National Security Council, said in a statement.

The attacks may eventually rank as among the worst in recent memory, in part because the hackers appear to have penetrated the systems of a Texas company that sells technology products to a Who’s Who of sensitive targets, according to the people.