Feb 17, 2023 - Politics & Policy

FBI says it contained a cyber incident against its computer network

The FBI's seal on the outside of its headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The FBI said on Friday it contained and is investigating a cyber incident against its computer network.

Why it matters: The bureau believes the incident involved a bureau computer system used in its investigations into images of child sexual exploitation, CNN first reported.

What they're saying: "The FBI is aware of the incident and is working to gain additional information," the bureau said in a statement to Axios.

  • "This is an isolated incident that has been contained. As this is an ongoing investigation the FBI does not have further comment to provide at this time," it continued.

Context: The FBI said in December 2022 it was investigating a major surge in financial "sextortion" schemes targeting children and teens, saying it received more than 7,000 reports of such schemes against minors that year.

  • It said the schemes involved victims being coerced online into sending explicit images and then extorted for money or gift cards through threats to release the images.

Go deeper: FBI wants more ransomware victims to report attacks

Go deeper