Cybersecurity
New bill looks to ramp up penalties for ransomware crooks
Three senators are aiming to pass new legislation that expands DOJ's power to go after botnets and stiffen penalties for cyberattacks on critical infrastructure by adding it to the upcoming infrastructure bill.
Cybersecurity
Colonial CEO defends $4.3M ransomware payment
Joseph Blount, the chief executive officer of Colonial Pipeline, on Tuesday defended the company's ransom payment to the criminal group Darkside and said Colonial is continuing to work with law enforcement and cybersecurity consultants to restore their business systems.
Modernization
DOJ seizes $2.26 million in ransom paid out by Colonial Pipeline
The FBI on Monday said it has identified at least 90 victims across multiple industrial sectors that Darkside has victimized.
Cybersecurity
Supreme Court narrows scope of hacking law, but questions remain
The Supreme Court's ruling on Thursday decided a police officer did not violate a 1980s anti-hacking law, but the court ultimately left open questions about the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act's applicability for other purposes such as cybersecurity research.
Ideas
Body Cameras Help Monitor Police but Can Invade People's Privacy
Records laws allow many videos to end up on YouTube but few address how to deal with the personal information of those filmed.
Ideas
Here’s How Much Your Personal Information Is Worth to Cybercriminals – and What They Do with It
Though data breaches can be a national security threat, 86% are about money, and 55% are committed by organized criminal groups, according to Verizon’s annual data breach report.
Policy
Online, Mug Shots Are Forever. Some States Want to Change That.
People are innocent until proven guilty, but the public release of mug shots taken at the time of arrest can become a barrier to housing, employment and personal relationships.
Digital Government
Secret Service Director Calls for More Staffing, Retention and Cybersecurity Funding
The director thanked employees for their hard work and resilience over the past year.
Cybersecurity
Mayorkas: DHS running ransomware task force, White House plan coming
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Thursday said his agency plans to take up the recommendations from a new report focused on combating ransomware and that the White House is developing its own plan to confront the growing cybersecurity threat.
Digital Government
Bill Would Force Intelligence, Law Enforcement to Obtain Warrants Before Buying Americans’ Data
As with other tech companies, agencies would have to obtain court orders to compel data brokers to turn over information.
Artificial Intelligence
Democrats Question Justice Department on Use of Predictive Policing Algorithms
They also called for more comprehensive checks on the use of such technologies.
Cybersecurity
FBI Opens a Case on Chinese Activity ‘Every 10 Hours,’ Intel Chiefs Say
China leads a pack of threats to the United States, they tell lawmakers.
Cybersecurity
CISA, FBI warn of hacking threat against Fortinet product
The advisory warns that an unattributed threat actor is using known vulnerabilities in a Fortinet security product to gain access to government and industry networks.
Cybersecurity
Mayorkas announces cyber 'sprints' on ransomware, ICS, workforce
The Homeland Security secretary announced a series of focused efforts to address issues around ransomware, critical infrastructure and the agency's workforce that will all be launched in the coming weeks.
Modernization
Justice Department Warns of Fake Unemployment Benefit Websites
It’s one more issue for jobless Americans and state workforce agencies to be concerned about.
Cybersecurity
FBI Director Says Extremists Flocking to Encrypted Apps Poses New Challenges
Christopher Wray told lawmakers tech companies are the ones making policies about encryption.
Emerging Tech
Police Departments Experiment With 70-Pound Robot Dog
Departments have deployed the cyber K-9s in hostage situations and as part of the covid response. Proponents say the robots can help keep officers out of harm's way, while critics worry how they could be used without clear policy guidelines in place.
Cybersecurity
DOJ charges three in WannaCry attacks, attempts to steal $1.3B
In addition to unsealing the charges against three North Korean hackers, the U.S. government also published indicators of compromise for a family of malicious cryptocurrency applications called "AppleJeus."
Digital Government
Senate Requests Intel on Capitol Attack
The lawmakers want timelines and operational details from 22 government agencies and offices leading up to the Jan. 6 breach of the building.
People
New bill looks to close retirement loophole for injured federal first responders
Sponsors say the legislation is needed to allow federal first responders to access their retirement benefits if they are injured on the job.
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