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Data security concerns prompt FBI to shut down comms systems

The FBI's internal computer network had to be shut down after a data security threat was identified by agents, it has been confirmed.

While a number of reports published over the past few days claimed that the law enforcement agency's internal email system was crippled and jammed due to a security breach, it has now been confirmed that this was not the case, though action was taken to limit the risk posed by the threat.

Furthermore, while the FBI revealed that its internal systems, within which sensitive information is shared, were not jeopardised, its external communications systems were believed to be under threat.

"The external, unclassified network was shut down by the FBI as a precautionary measure," a statement read.

"Within 48 hours of identifying the issue and mitigating risks, e-mail traffic was largely restored to the external, unclassified network."

The publication of this press statement comes as US president Barack Obama is expected to appoint a cybersecurity chief with the aim of better protecting his country's computer systems from online threats.

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