News agencies are reporting a possible second data breach using flaws in the SolarWinds software, this time with suspected Chinese hackers infiltrating U.S. payroll agency systems.

Sources have disclosed another cybersecurity breach in the SolarWinds software that took place last year, affecting the National Finance Center, a federal payroll agency. Officials fear the breach might have exposed names, addresses and other information of thousands of federal employees.

The cyberattack is separate from the suspected Russian-backed breach that also took place last year. In the second attack, bad actors are suspected of using hacking tools previously utilized by state-backed Chinese hackers.

The suspected Russian-backed data breach was aimed at the U.S. Treasury and Commerce departments as well as international companies. In that cybersecurity attack, about 18,000 private and government users downloaded a Russian-tainted software update — a Trojan horse of sorts — that provides hackers access to the victims’ systems.

What Do These Cyberattacks Mean for You?

Unfortunately, the federal agencies and companies targeted in the attack and the private companies that work with SolarWinds have a stockpile of personal information on Americans. This means your personal information might be at risk.

When your personal information is exposed, it can leave your vulnerable to identity theft. Monitoring your identity is essential to helping protect yourself.

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