OPM cuts employee access to Facebook, Gmail

Office of Personnel Management (OPM) employees can no longer scan Facebook or quickly check their Gmail.

As part of an ongoing effort to secure its networks in the wake of a massive data breach that has exposed upwards of 18 million people’s sensitive information, the OPM has blocked social media sites and personal email services on its networks, the agency confirmed Thursday.

{mosads}“Out of caution, and in light of the recent breaches, OPM has recently tightened restrictions on Internet access using web security technology,” agency spokesman Samuel Schumach said in a statement.

The policy change came out of nowhere for employees, who were not given any advance warning, Federal Times reported.

Hackers frequently infiltrate networks via malware distributed through spam email or social media messages. These messages are designed to lure people into clicking on a link or attachment that downloads the malicious software.

Cutting off access to personal social media and email accounts limits a considerable number of possible entry points for digital intruders.

“As we move forward with security measures which will ensure both agency and individual security, OPM will continue to monitor and make adjustments to our web security policies,” Schumach said.

It’s believed the OPM breaches were part of a Chinese cyber espionage campaign to create a comprehensive database on U.S. government workers.