The FBI has removed an Accenture contractor following a damaging cyberattack that exposed sensitive information belonging to thousands of bureau employees.
Reuters reports that the breach occurred after a contractor failed to implement a critical security patch on the system they were responsible for maintaining.
Sources told Reuters the affected platform was Oracle's PeopleSoft system.
The hacking group ShinyHunters said it had exploited PeopleSoft to gain access to an FBI employment system.
The exposed information reportedly included highly sensitive personal details, raising serious concerns about operational security.
The FBI said it has taken steps to reduce further risk and protect its workforce.
The incident highlights one of cybersecurity's most persistent problems.
Organizations can invest heavily in sophisticated security systems, but a known vulnerability can remain dangerous if an available software patch is not installed quickly.
The FBI is continuing to assess the full consequences of the breach.
