Chinese hackers may have targeted private Gmail accounts of US government

The White House is investigating reports that hackers have tried to gain access to the Google email accounts of senior American officials.

Google says it has disrupted an operation to hack into hundreds of accounts, which it believes originated in China.

General Harry Raduege is chairman of the Deloitte Center for Network Innovation and handled cyber security for the US military until 2005. He told BBC Radio 5 live: "We all have a responsibility these days to have a cyber mindset."

"Our government officials certainly shouldn't be putting classified information over a personal email, Gen Raduege explained to Nicky Campbell on 5 live Breakfast.

"That would be a violation of security procedures."

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5 live Breakfast broadcasts Monday - Friday 0600 - 1000 on BBC Radio 5 live.