6-7-2011

RSA offers to replace SecurIDs after Lockheed hacking

Data storage firm EMC Ltd has offered to replace millions of potentially compromised "SecurID" electronic keys after hackers used data stolen from its RSA security division to break into Lockheed Martin's network.

Lockheed Martin, the Pentagon's No. 1 arms supplier and the U.S. government's top information technology provider, was attacked last month by hackers, underscoring a growing threat to U.S. national security.

RSA, which makes the SecurID keys, said in a letter published on its website that it had confirmed information taken from it in March was used in the attack on Lockheed Martin.

"Certain characteristics of the attack on RSA indicated that the perpetrator's most likely motive was to obtain an element of security information that could be used to target defense secrets and related (intellectual property)," RSA said in Monday's letter.

Lockheed's networks house sensitive data on future weapons systems as well as military technology currently used in battles in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Lockheed is the maker of the F-16, F-22 and F-35 fighter jets as well as warships and other multibillion-dollar arms systems sold worldwide.

A source told Reuters last week that several other U.S. military contractors have also been attacked.

Other big corporations have suffered from major hacking attacks recently, including Sony Corp and Google.