Lockheed Martin and others hit by SecureID hacks

The networks of Lockheed Martin and other major defense contractors have been probed by hackers capitalising on the RSA SecureID breach, according to a Reuters source.

To access the networks, hackers used duplicate SecureID electronic keys, according to Reuters. The keys are administered by EMC-subsidiary RSA, which suffered a catastrophic network penetration in mid-March, in which information about the SecureID token technology was taken.

According to Reuters, the unknown hackers were able to work out how to create duplicate keys thanks to the data breach.

On late Saturday, Lockheed Martin issued a statement in which it said its systems remained secure and no customer data had been compromised. The attack occurred on 21 May. It noted that "the company’s information security team detected the attack almost immediately".

Lockheed Martin produces advanced weaponry for the United States military, such as the C-130 Hercules and F-22 fighter jets. It is also responsible for the 2011 United Kingdom Census and has interests in a wide range of other technical fields, including space and energy projects.

"Throughout the ongoing investigation, Lockheed Martin has continued to keep the appropriate US government agencies informed of our actions," the company wrote. "The team continues to work around the clock to restore employee access to the network, while maintaining the highest level of security."