February 3rd, 2025

Musk's Takeover of the Government's Computer Systems Is Akin to a Cyberattack

Elon Musk's unauthorized access to U.S. government computer systems raises cybersecurity and national security concerns, prompting calls for a strong governmental response to this internal threat and highlighting inconsistencies in threat responses.

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Musk's Takeover of the Government's Computer Systems Is Akin to a Cyberattack

Elon Musk's recent actions in taking control of various U.S. government computer systems have raised significant concerns regarding cybersecurity and national security. Critics argue that this takeover should be viewed as a cyberattack, as Musk and his associates accessed sensitive government infrastructure without proper authorization. The systems involved include the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Treasury Department, and USAID, which manage critical data related to government employees and financial operations. The lack of vetting for Musk's team, who reportedly have no legitimate claim to access these systems, poses a serious risk to national security. The situation is particularly alarming given Musk's connections with foreign leaders, raising fears about the potential misuse of sensitive information. The article emphasizes that this incident should provoke a strong response from legitimate government authorities, as it represents a breach of security that could have dire implications for the United States. The irony is noted in the contrast between the outrage over foreign threats, such as TikTok, and the internal threat posed by Musk's actions, which could undermine the very fabric of government operations.

- Musk's takeover of government systems is viewed as a serious cybersecurity breach.

- His team lacked proper authorization and vetting to access sensitive information.

- The incident raises concerns about national security due to Musk's foreign connections.

- There is a call for a strong governmental response to this internal threat.

- The situation highlights inconsistencies in the response to foreign versus domestic security threats.

Link Icon 4 comments
By @nico - 3 months
And despite all the reporting from good tech sources, and the interest of the HN community, these news are being taken down from the homepage and heavily moderated
By @hn_acker - 3 months
The original title is:

> Musk's Takeover Of The Government's Computer Systems Needs To Be Understood As A Cyberattack, Or Worse

By @Terr_ - 3 months
It's like an Evil Maid attack, except the local Sheriff is in on it and detaining you outside while it happens.