Russian hackers leak personal information on Simone Biles, Williams sisters

A group of Russian hackers who go by the name "Fancy Bear" breached The World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) database containing drug test results and medical information from Rio Olympic athletes, WADA confirmed Tuesday. The group, which also goes by "Tsar Team (APT28)," targeted American athletes, including tennis players Serena and Venus Williams and gymnast Simone Biles, and then leaked that the three had been given "medical exemptions to use banned drugs," The New York Times reported. Fancy Bear cited its findings as evidence that "WADA and the IOC's Medical and Scientific Department are corrupt and deceitful."

In a statement Tuesday, the IOC maintained "the athletes mentioned did not violate any anti-doping rules during the Olympic Games." "In fact, in each of the situations, the athlete has done everything right in adhering to the global rules for obtaining permission to use a needed medication," said Travis Tygart, CEO of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. "The cyber-bullying of innocent athletes being engaged by these hackers is cowardly and despicable."

WADA said it believes hackers gained access through "spear phishing of email accounts." The hacking group may also be behind recent breaches of the Democratic National Committee and a French television network. The Washington Post reported the group is believed to "report to Russian government intelligence agencies."

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up