Cybersecurity
Major cyber news drops under the buzzer for 2024
A ninth U.S. telecommunications provider fell onto Salt Typhoon’s victim list, and the UN’s controversial cybercrime treaty was adopted.
Cybersecurity
US charges Israeli-Russian national with making software for LockBit ransomware gang
LockBit has made headlines for years, allowing purveyors of its malware to haul away millions of dollars from victims.
Artificial Intelligence
House Dems join push to create AI-focused civil rights offices across government
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Summer Lee, D-Pa., would require that federal agencies “utilizing, funding or overseeing AI” establish civil rights offices to address algorithmic bias.
People
Employee group urges centralized response to increase in doxxing and threats against federal workers
The Department of Justice Gender Equality Network urged department leadership to create a centralized “triage” team to better tackle instances where members of the public doxx or threaten employees online.
Cybersecurity
US charges 2 with running 'Anonymous Sudan' hacking group
Multiple firms, including Amazon, CrowdStrike and Microsoft, aided the Justice Department in efforts that took down Anonymous Sudan’s main tooling in March.
Cybersecurity
DOJ, Microsoft disrupt Russian hackers targeting civil society orgs
The group, likely linked to Russia’s Federal Security Service, has focused on stealing credentials from NGOs and think tanks around the world.
Cybersecurity
US charges Iranian operatives with hacking Trump campaign
The allegations come 38 days before the November presidential election, as the U.S. has worked to stave off foreign adversaries’ attempts to sow discord into the election process.
Cybersecurity
5 Russian military hackers plotted to spread malware to Ukraine through a US company, new charges say
The hackers also tried to target a federal agency based in Maryland, the Justice Department alleges.
Updated
Cybersecurity
US says Russia conducted sustained disinformation campaign to sway 2024 election
The Justice Department unsealed an indictment accusing two Russian state media employees of contributing to the election influence efforts.
Acquisition
DOJ suit claims Georgia Tech ‘knowingly failed’ to meet cyber standards for DOD contracts
The Justice Department has joined onto a whistleblower lawsuit filed by two senior staffers on Georgia Tech’s cybersecurity compliance team that was filed in 2022.
Artificial Intelligence
Justice broadens its AI data analysis abilities to process video, redact info
An expanded contract with AI software firm Veritone will allow the Department of Justice to streamline unstructured data for limited requested public access and investigative efforts.
Cybersecurity
US accuses Russian national of helping deploy malware on Ukrainian government computers
The alleged hacker used U.S. computer infrastructure to distribute the infamous “WhisperGate” malware into Ukrainian systems.
Digital Government
DOJ launches CX-focused initiative
The first project in the new push is focusing on improving the portals Americans use to report crimes to the Department of Justice.
Artificial Intelligence
DOJ charges ex-Google employee with theft of AI trade secrets
Ex-Google software engineer Leon Ding allegedly funneled research and confidential information from his employer to China-based companies.
Digital Government
Feds move to make gov websites more accessible to people with disabilities
It’s the first time the federal government has ever issued rules clarifying how the more than 30-year-old Americans with Disabilities Act applies online. But the new rules come with a hefty price tag for state and local governments.
Cybersecurity
US accuses Chinese hackers of 14-year campaign targeting government officials
The coordinated charges include sanctions on Chinese government-affiliated hackers and an up to $10 million reward for information about the defendants.
People
DOJ names its first chief AI officer
The new role is intended to focus on building a tech-ready workforce and interagency cooperation.
Cybersecurity
US, international partners disrupt LockBit ransomware operations
Officials have also developed a tool for victims targeted by LockBit to potentially decrypt their compromised data.
Cybersecurity
FBI disrupts botnet controlled by Russian security services
The news comes just weeks after the U.S. announced it went on the offensive against a China-linked botnet operation.
Cybersecurity