Hackers took control of Nasa

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Hackers broke into Nasa systems so comprehensively that they could have compromised US national security, a congressional panel has been told.

The hackers, operating through a Chinese IP address, were able to copy, modify and delete files, steal user details and alter system logs to hide their electronic footprints.

The hackers, who launched the cyber attack last year, were able to gain "full functional control" of computers at Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

The panel was also told a number of unencrypted laptops which contained codes for controlling the International Space Station had been stolen.