Google Hacked Through Computer Code
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (
) -
Google's
(GOOG) - Get Report
systems were hacked by attackers last year through a computer code for the software that authenticates users of Google email, calendar and other online programs, the
Wall Street Journal
reports, citing a person familiar with the matter.
Attackers gained access to Google's computer code by compromising a workstation used by a Google engineer, the person said.
However, the nature of attacks and the perpetrators behind it remain unclear. Some security experts suspect a group of attackers that has penetrated hundreds more companies since Google went public with its attacks in January. "The exact same group has been exceptionally active," one person familiar with the matter told the
Journal
.
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The group has broadened its victims to include law firms and utility companies, and has been penetrating at least 20 to 50 new companies a week, the person said.
Google confirmed that some of the company's intellectual property was stolen and that it believed the attack originated from China, a Google spokeswoman told the newspaper. Chinese officials have denied their government is responsible.
The
New York Times
first reported that Google's password system had been breached.
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