Justice Department Watchdog Finds Attkisson's Computer Was Not Hacked
ABC News
ByCaitlin MacNealPublishedJanuary 29, 2015, 4:23 PM EST 3942 views
The Justice Department's inspector general was unable to confirm former CBS reporter Sharyl Attkisson's claim that a federal government agency hacked into her computer, according to the Washington Post.
In her 2014 memoir "Stonewalled," Attkisson wrote that "either the CIA, FBI, the Defense Intelligence Agency or the National Security Agency" gained access to her computer in order to spy on her.
According to the Post, a report produced by the inspector general was entered into the Senate record on Wednesday at the Attorney General nomination hearing for Loretta Lynch, at which Attkisson testified.
The report said that investigators were "not able to substantiate the allegations that Attkisson’s computers were subject to remote intrusion by the FBI, other government personnel, or otherwise."
The report also disputed Attkisson's claim that a wire attached to her cable box was linked to the alleged hacking.
"Attkisson reported to the OIG that a 'suspicious' cable was attached to her internet service provider’s connection box installed on her house. She opined to the OIG that perhaps this cable was being used to 'tap' her house," the report reads, according to the Post. "Further investigation by the OIG revealed that the cable was a common cable ... and could not be used to monitor or otherwise affect the phone or internet service at her residence."
Attkisson also claimed that the government deleted files from her computer, which the report concluded was caused by "the back space key being stuck."
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