16 October 2008
Intrusion exposes vulnerability of the World Bank Group's computer network by compromising confidential information.
At least 18 computer servers at the World Bank were compromised by hackers last June and July, according to a story on FOXNews.com. The hackers were able to gain access to the entire World Bank network, including the institution's "highly-restricted treasury unit." The breach comes as World Bank President Robert Zoellick is attempting to position the Bank as a major player in ensuring global financial stability.
The hackers had access to servers that contained "scanned images of staff documents" as well as one that included contract procurement data, according to the FOXNews.com story. The World Bank has been attempting to downplay the situation, as well as reassure its staff that no sensitive information had been accessed and that their personal information was not at risk. However, after the breach was discovered, the Bank's senior technology manager was quoted as calling the situation an "unprecedented crisis." Another senior Bank staffer revealed that the FBI had become involved and that the hackers had "access to everything," particularly all of the worldwide information of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank.
While the motives behind the incursion are unclear, sources in the FOXNews story suggested that the hackers were attempting to gain advance notice of projects the Bank will approve or reject and speculated that information on the Bank's anti-corruption efforts was sought as well.
Read more:
World Bank Under Cyber Siege in 'Unprecedented Crisis', by Richard Behar, October 10, 2008 (FOX News website)
Hackers got into 18 computer servers at World Bank, By Byron Acohido, October 12, 2008 (USA Today website)