Washington Has Proof of Russian, Chinese Cyber Attacks on US - FBI Director

The United States has proof that Russia and China are major contributors of cyberattacks against US information data bases, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey said in a US House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on Wednesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The United States has accused Russian hackers of multiple cyber-attacks, including on the US government. In February 2015, US Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said Russia, China, Iran and North Korea are the leading cyber-threats to the United States.

“Russia is a significant player in cyber intrusions as is China…two huge operators in that world.”

When asked by a presiding House Appropriations member whether the FBI had proof that the Russian and Chinese governments were responsible for cyberattacks against the United States, Comey replied “yes.”

"Cyber is a feature of every threat that the FBI is responsible for,” Comey said.

“[R]ight now everyone thinks it’s a freebie to steal American’s information. We have to impose costs on these people.”

Most recently, the US charged Russian national Vladimir Drinkman in February 2015 for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to steal data that resulted in the theft of 160 million US bank card details. Drinkman, however, pleaded not guilty to charges.

Cyberattacks have grown increasingly commonplace in public and private institutions across the United States. In 2014, the White House, the US Central Command, JP Morgan and Sony Pictures Entertainment, among others, fell victim to cyberattacks.