'Spectacular' Cyberattack Hit French Government

Hackers have broken into French finance ministry computers in a “spectacular” attack, prompting the government to take 10,000 machines offline, AFP reports. The attackers reportedly sought information "related to the French presidency of the G20 and to international economic affairs," says a security official. The cyberattack occurred in December, and has been linked to Chinese Internet addresses. The government has leads in the case, said the country’s budget minister.

Some 100 computers were “compromised,” said one official. Added another: “The actors were determined professionals and organized. It is the first attack of this size and scale against the French state.” (More France stories.)