The group of Chinese hackers who infiltrated the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and Anthem Inc. is rumored to be the same group who attacked the United Airlines on July 29, Wednesday. The establishments were attacked at the same time.
In an interview with USA Today, United Airlines Spokesperson Luke Punzenberger said that such information is baseless. According to him, the reports are based on pure speculation and he said that they can assure that their customer's information is secure.
Punzenberger added that the company remains vigilant against unauthorized access. He assured that they have top of the line advisors with best practices on cyber security to maintain the companies' effectiveness.
This incident also sparked rumors that this could endanger the safety of CIA employees since the United Airlines is the major airline coming in and out from Dulles International Airport, the international airport nearest to the CIA's Headquarters in Langley, Virginia.
According to the Washington Post, the Chinese hackers are suspected of breaching major insurers and government agencies. The publication added that security experts and government officials linked the Chinese government in the attacks. It also clarified that the United States never pointed China as the attacker.
The United States remained silent about the suspected Chinese attack but according to the National Intelligence Director James Clapper, China is the "leading suspect" in the OPM hacks.
Paul Tiao is a partner at law Firm Hunston & Williams and senior counselor for cyber security and technology to the FBI director. According to Tiao, the Chinese could use the data from the hacks if they are behind the breach.