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On February 17, 2023, the FBI said a cyber incident at its New York Field Office was isolated and contained, and that its investigation was ongoing. The Bureau did not publicly explain when the intrusion happened, how it occurred, who was responsible, or whether information was accessed or removed.
What the FBI said
In a statement to FedScoop on February 17, 2023, the FBI said: “This is an isolated incident that has been contained. As this is an ongoing investigation the FBI does not have further comment to provide at this time.” The statement was attributed to the Bureau, not to a named spokesperson. FedScoop’s report is the clearest contemporaneous account of the FBI’s public position.
What reporting said about the system
FedScoop reported that CNN first described the incident. Two sources briefed on the matter told CNN that it involved a computer system used in investigations of images of child sexual exploitation. That description came from unnamed sources; the FBI’s quoted statement did not confirm what system was affected or how it was used.
What “contained” does—and does not—establish
In its statement, the FBI characterized the incident as contained. That describes the response status the Bureau reported at the time; it does not, by itself, establish the extent of any earlier access or whether data was viewed, copied, or removed.
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The Associated Press reported that the FBI declined to say when the intrusion occurred or whether ransomware was involved. The contemporaneous public accounts do not establish the technical cause, an attacker’s identity or motive, the scope of access, or any impact on data. February 17, 2023, is the date of the reporting, not a confirmed date for the intrusion. The Associated Press report likewise does not provide a final impact assessment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Expert comments were not FBI findings
FedScoop also quoted Austin Berglas, identified as BlueVoyant’s Global Head of Professional Services and a former FBI Crimes Against Children Coordinator in New York. Berglas speculated that infected evidence might have reached a forensic network and said classified and top-secret information would not be connected to that network if protocols were followed. Those were his views and a hypothetical explanation—not findings announced by the FBI.
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