[Fox News] Fox News has learned that the number of victims of a pair of massive cyberattacks on U.S. government personnel files has soared to at least 18 million -- but the head of the hacked Office of Personnel Management refuses to blame anyone in her agency. "I don't believe anyone is personally responsible," OPM Director Katherine Archuleta said Tuesday.
The statement came during tense Capitol Hill testimony on a breach that seems to be growing wider by the day. Archuleta, who faced tough questioning at a House hearing last week, likewise faced angry senators on Tuesday before a Senate appropriations subcommittee.
Grilled on whether anyone takes responsibility, Archuleta said only the perpetrators should be blamed -- she said current failures result from decades of meager investment in security systems, but said changes are being made and in fact helped detect the latest breaches.
Still, the assurances are unlikely to ease concerns on Capitol Hill and among those who may have been affected. The web has expanded to include not just current and former government workers, but also those who may have applied for a government job.
The Office of Personnel Management initially estimated about 4 million current and former government workers were affected by one of the hacks. But Fox News is told by multiple sources that lawmakers have been informed the number will grow to at least 18 million -- and could, according to one source, soar to as high as 30 million.
During the Senate committee hearing on Tuesday, Archuleta testified that a second hack indeed exposed more individuals, though she said its "scope" and "impact" have not yet been determined.
No worries, banking and investment firms are the next targets. What a delightful way to re-baseline the monetary system, end economic inequality, and level the playing field. Investment securities, precious metals, and paper money are so old school. Join me in blaming the Chinese, Russians, Euro-weenies, or whomever.