Unisys blamed for Chinese hack attacks on US

 

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By Reuters

Posted on 24 Sep 2007 at 13:15

The FBI is investigating allegations that Unisys failed to detect Chinese hacks on the computer systems of the US Department of Homeland Security and then tried to cover up its shortcomings, according to reports.

Unisys won a $1 billion contract in 2002 to build and manage information technology networks at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration. However, evidence gathered by the Homeland Security Committee indicates network-intrusion devices were not properly installed and monitored, the Post says.

As a result, 150 DHS computers were compromised by hackers using a Chinese-language website from June through October in 2006.

"We can state generally that the allegation that Unisys did not properly install essential security systems is incorrect," says Unisys in a statement.

"In addition, we routinely follow prescribed security protocols and have properly reported incidents to the customer in accordance with those protocols. We believe that a proper investigation of this matter will conclude that Unisys acted in good faith to meet the customer's security requirements."

Besides the original $1 billion contract, Unisys received a $750 million follow-up deal in 2005.

An aide on the Homeland Security Committee told the Washington Post that the FBI was investigating Unisys for criminal fraud. The committee also has called for the DHS to look into the matter.

The committee alleges that the contractor falsely certified that the computer network had been protected to cover up its failings, the Post reports.