CISA TO ISSUE LIST OF SOFTWARE PRODUCTS CRITICAL TO AGENCY SECURITY BY END OF SEPTEMBER
BY DAVID DIMOLFETTA
CISA aims to provide federal agencies with a list of "EO-critical software" examples by September 30, as part of implementing a 2021 cybersecurity executive order. These software types meet specific NIST criteria and play vital roles in managing privileges and network protection. The list intends to enhance agencies' awareness of cyber vulnerabilities in crucial software. With federal cybersecurity under scrutiny due to recent cyberattacks, such measures are seen as crucial for national security. The move follows concerns about agencies' lack of policies to address mandated cybersecurity requirements, highlighting the urgency of bolstering cyber defenses across federal entities.
PROPOSED DATA BROKER REGULATIONS DRAW INDUSTRY PUSHBACK ON ANONYMIZED DATA EXCEPTIONS, BULK THRESHOLDS
BY TIM STARKS
Industry groups are urging the Biden administration to relax proposed rules on data brokers selling sensitive information to foreign entities, arguing for exceptions for anonymized data and raising the volume threshold for bulk information. However, experts warn that treating anonymized data differently could pose risks. The proposed rules are part of a broader trend to curb abuses by data brokers. Most industry groups favor higher volume thresholds or a rethinking of the thresholds, some suggest excluding certain organizations from the rules, and others propose broader definitions for sensitive data categories and different methods for identifying countries of concern.
FBI DIRECTOR WRAY ISSUES DIRE WARNING ON CHINA'S CYBERSECURITY THREAT
BY JAI VIJAYAN
FBI Director Christopher Wray issued a stark warning about China-backed hackers, alerting the public that they reportedly outnumber FBI personnel 50 to 1 and pose a severe threat to US national and economic security. He highlighted China's aggressive cyber campaigns targeting various sectors, aiming to disrupt vital services. Recent attacks, including exploiting Microsoft Exchange Server vulnerabilities, exemplify China's indiscriminate cyber assaults. The FBI is actively addressing the threat, collaborating with other agencies and urging private sector vigilance and information sharing to counter nascent threats effectively. Meanwhile, Wray urged immediate action to fortify networks against potential attacks on critical infrastructure.
LAWMAKERS VOTE TO REAUTHORIZE US SPYING LAW THAT CRITICS SAY EXPANDS GOVERNMENT SURVEILLANCE
BY ZACK WHITTAKER
Despite opposition from privacy advocates and some lawmakers, lawmakers passed legislation reauthorizing and expanding the Section 702 surveillance powers under FISA shortly after they expired at midnight, passing with a 60-34 vote. Supporters argue that FISA is crucial for preventing terrorist and cyberattacks and gathering intelligence, but critics fear it allows for warrantless searches of Americans' communications. Bipartisan efforts to require the government to obtain warrants before searching for Americans' communications failed ahead of the bill's final vote. The bill now awaits the president's signature, almost certain to become law. FISA, originating in 1978, has faced increased scrutiny, particularly after the 2013 leaks exposing the government's global wiretapping program. Despite the bill's passage, a key provision prevents immediate shutdown of surveillance programs, with FISA now expiring at the end of 2026.
RANSOMWARE PAYMENTS DROP TO RECORD LOW OF 28% IN Q1 2024
BY BILL TOULAS
Ransomware payments hit a record low of 28% in Q1 2024, attributed to better defenses and legal pressure against payments. However, the total amount paid to hackers reached $1.1 billion in 2023 due to increased frequency and higher demands. Despite a drop in average payments, median payments rose, indicating a shift towards more significant demands. Initial infiltration methods are increasingly unknown, with remote access and vulnerabilities being the most common known methods. Law enforcement actions, like the FBI's LockBit disruption, have disrupted major ransomware operations, leading to payment disputes and exit scams. Akira remains the most active ransomware group, responsible for breaches in 250 organizations and $42 million in ransom payments.
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