Chris Frates reports:
The IRS believes that a major cyber breach that allowed criminals to steal the tax returns of more than 100,000 people originated in Russia, two sources briefed on the data theft tell CNN.
Read more on CNN.
If you bet Russia, drink. If you bet China or North Korea, just be patient, as they may get blamed before this is all over.
In the meantime, Kevin McCoy helpful reminds everyone that IRS had been warned for years about their less than stellar security:
Government monitors repeatedly warned of IRS computer security risks long before Tuesday’s disclosure that identity thieves had stolen tax agency data for roughly 100,000 U.S. households.
At least seven federal audits and other reports from 2007 to 2014 outlined dangers that ranged from failures in IRS database controls to hiring an ex-con without a background check and failing to screen for other workers who had access to personal data for millions of taxpayers.
Read more on USA Today.