A Chinese state-sponsored hacker has broken into the US Treasury Department’s systems, accessing employee workstations and some unclassified documents, American officials said on Monday.

The breach occurred in early December and was made public in a letter penned by the Treasury Department to lawmakers notifying them of the incident.

The US agency characterised the breach as a “major incident”, and said it had been working with the FBI and other agencies to investigate the impact.

A spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington DC told BBC News that the accusation is part of a “smear attack” and was made “without any factual basis”.

The Treasury Department said in its letter to lawmakers that the China-based actor was able to override security via a key used by a third-party service provider that offers remote technical support to its employees.

The compromised third-party service – called BeyondTrust – has since been taken offline, officials said. They added that there is no evidence to suggest the hacker has continued to access Treasury Department information since.

Along with the FBI, the department has been working with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and third-party forensic investigators to determine the breach’s overall impact.

Based on evidence it has gathered so far, officials said the hack appears to have been carried out by “a China-based Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) actor”.

“In accordance with Treasury policy, intrusions attributable to an APT are considered a major cybersecurity incident,” Treasury Department officials wrote in their letter to lawmakers.

The department was made aware of the hack on 8 December by BeyondTrust, a spokesperson told the BBC. According to the company, the suspicious activity was first spotted on 2 December, but it took three days for the company to determine that it had been hacked.

The spokesperson added that the hacker was able to remotely access several Treasury user workstations and certain unclassified documents that were kept by those users.

The department did not specify the nature of these files, or when and for how long the hack took place. They also did not specify the level of confidentiality of the computer systems. For instance, access to 100 low-level workers would likely be less valuable then access to only 10 computers at a higher echelon within the department.

The hackers may have been able to create accounts or change passwords in the three days that they were being watched by BeyondTrust.

As espionage agents, the hackers are believed to have been seeking information, rather than attempting to steal funds.

The spokesperson said the Treasury Department “takes very seriously all threats against our systems, and the data it holds”, and that it will continue to work on protecting its data from outside threats.

The department letter states that a supplemental report on the incident will be provided to lawmakers in 30 days.

Chinese embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu denied the department’s report, saying in a statement that it can be difficult to trace the origin of hackers.

“We hope that relevant parties will adopt a professional and responsible attitude when characterizing cyber incidents, basing their conclusions on sufficient evidence rather than unfounded speculation and accusations,” he said.

“The US needs to stop using cyber security to smear and slander China, and stop spreading all kinds of disinformation about the so-called Chinese hacking threats.”

This is the latest high-profile and embarrassing US breach blamed on Chinese espionage hackers.

It follows another hack of telecoms companies in December that potentially breached phone record data across large swathes of American society.

Achieving financial independence in your early 20s is a rewarding but challenging journey. Here’s how you can make it happen:

1. Set Clear Goals

Define what financial independence means to you—debt-free living, a certain savings target, or passive income. Set short-term and long-term goals to track progress.

2. Create a Budget and Stick to It

Track your income and expenses. Use the 50/30/20 rule:

• 50% for essentials (rent, food).
• 30% for wants (entertainment).
• 20% for savings and investments.

3. Avoid Debt

Minimize credit card usage and unnecessary loans. If you have student loans, focus on repaying them early.

4. Start Investing Early

Invest in mutual funds, ETFs, or stocks. Leverage compound interest to grow your wealth. Even small investments made consistently can yield significant returns over time.

5. Build Multiple Income Streams

Explore side hustles, freelancing, or online businesses. Diversifying your income reduces dependence on a single source.

6. Learn and Upskill

Invest in skills that align with high-demand industries. Higher earning potential accelerates your journey to financial freedom.

7. Save for Emergencies

Maintain an emergency fund with 3–6 months of living expenses to handle unexpected situations without going into debt.

8. Live Below Your Means

Adopt a frugal lifestyle. Focus on needs over wants, and avoid lifestyle inflation as your income grows.

9. Network and Seek Mentorship

Connect with financially successful individuals. Learn from their experiences and apply their strategies.

10. Stay Disciplined and Patient

Financial independence doesn’t happen overnight. Stay consistent with your habits and let time work in your favor.

Embarking on this path in your early 20s sets a solid foundation for a secure and prosperous future. Start now, stay focused, and make your financial goals a reality!

Overview

Whereismytree.com is an innovative platform designed to connect individuals, organizations, and communities with sustainable agricultural practices. The platform emphasizes environmental consciousness by enabling users to locate, plant, and monitor trees while also creating opportunities for sustainable agritech innovations.

Founder and Vision

Whereismytree.com was founded by Maanohar Kumar, a visionary entrepreneur with a background in civil engineering and experience in multiple startup ventures. His aim was to create a platform that promotes ecological balance, supports afforestation efforts, and leverages technology to foster environmental sustainability.

The mission of Whereismytree.com is to create a greener planet by providing a bridge between people who wish to contribute to the environment and the resources needed to make that happen.

Features and Offerings

1. Tree Mapping and Monitoring
   • Users can locate trees using GPS and input details such as species, age, and health.
   • A unique feature allows users to adopt and monitor trees remotely.
2. Community Engagement
   • The platform encourages schools, NGOs, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs to participate in tree plantation drives.
   • It provides tools to track the impact of their efforts.
3. E-commerce Integration
   • An online marketplace enables users to purchase saplings, eco-friendly gardening tools, and organic fertilizers.
4. Knowledge Hub
   • Offers educational content on sustainable agriculture, the benefits of afforestation, and ways to combat climate change.
   • Features expert articles, case studies, and tutorials on tree care.
5. Corporate Partnerships
   • Businesses can use the platform to fulfill their CSR goals by funding tree plantation programs.
   • Detailed reports and certificates are provided to demonstrate their environmental contributions.

Technology and Innovation

Whereismytree.com utilizes advanced technology to achieve its goals:

• GIS and Satellite Imaging: For mapping and monitoring tree coverage.
• AI and Data Analytics: To assess the health of trees and predict growth patterns.
• Blockchain Technology: To maintain transparent records of plantation activities and carbon offsetting metrics.

Impact and Achievements

Since its inception, Whereismytree.com has achieved several milestones:

• Trees Planted: Over 100,000 trees have been planted and monitored through the platform.
• Community Participation: Engaged with over 200 schools and 50 NGOs across India.
• Corporate Collaborations: Partnered with leading companies for CSR-driven plantation programs.

Challenges Faced

1. Awareness and Adoption: Educating people about the importance of afforestation and encouraging them to participate.
2. Technological Integration: Ensuring seamless user experience while implementing advanced features.
3. Sustainability: Balancing financial sustainability with the platform’s environmental goals.

Future Plans

1. Global Expansion: Expand the platform to international markets with high deforestation rates.
2. Advanced Features: Introduce AR/VR tools for virtual tree monitoring and gamified plantation drives.
3. Carbon Credits Marketplace: Enable users and corporations to trade carbon credits generated by afforestation efforts.
4. Mobile App Launch: Develop a dedicated mobile application for improved accessibility and engagement.

Conclusion

Whereismytree.com is more than a platform—it is a movement aimed at creating a sustainable future. With its innovative approach to environmental conservation, the platform has the potential to inspire individuals and organizations to take meaningful action against deforestation and climate change.

Contact Information

Website: whereismytree.com
Social Media: Follow @WhereIsMyTree on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for updates and news.

Whereismytree.com stands as a beacon of hope for a greener planet, proving that technology and nature can coexist to build a sustainable future for generations to come.