The Wall Street Journal today reported that Blue Bell, Pa.-based technology consultancy Unisys denies that it tried to cover up computer break-ins at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration, with whom the consultancy has been under contract since 2002.

The Journal says an FBI probe into the break-ins is ongoing, although the federal government maintains that hacking attempts into its computers are common occurrences. It also cites Unisys' statement, quoting the following: "We believe that a proper investigation of this matter will conclude that Unisys acted in good faith to meet the customer's security requirements."

The Washington Post reports that the hackers had been traced to a Chinese-language Web site. According to the Post, security experts believe the Chinese government is trying to break into U.S. government sites in order to obtain military secrets and passwords.

DHS spokesman Russ Knocke told the Journal that the department's contract for IT consulting is up for a routine rebid. Unisys would not be barred from bidding.

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