Cybersecurity

CIA feared terrorists could exploit Y2K glitches, declassified briefs show

Records released for the 25th anniversary of 9/11 also describe intelligence assessments of extremist websites helping recruit fighters and spread chemical and biological weapons information.

25 years after 9/11, spy agencies face old lessons and new threats 

Former intelligence officials describe a nation better equipped to disrupt terrorist plots, but still wrestling with the costs of its response and how to prevent the next crisis under escalating technology threats.

White House plans to take water cyber pilot into other sectors

Sean Cairncross also outlined plans for a cyber academy that would combine venture capital and other private sector initiatives with a service component.

Lawmakers ask Commerce to sanction Indian firms involved in mercenary hacking

The “hack-for-hire” entities have systematically targeted newsrooms covering corporate fraud, legal teams in high-stakes litigation and NGOs.

New FBI cyber strategy seeks faster action against hackers, larger industry role

The bureau wants more frequent disruption operations and quicker warnings to victims as the Justice Department works through rules for expanded private sector participation in hacking cybercrime groups.

CIA cyber intelligence helped US forces capture Maduro, deputy director says

Michael Ellis credited the agency’s cyber intelligence officers with helping U.S. troops locate and apprehend the Venezuelan leader within minutes of landing.

Senator asks NSA to update Americans about VPN spying risks

A congressional analysis found foreign spies could trace users by comparing encrypted traffic entering and leaving a VPN server, according to the lawmaker’s office.

Exclusive

Pentagon cyber strategy expected as soon as next week, sources say

Officials have previewed a blueprint emphasizing offensive operations, AI adoption and closer industry ties as the military reorganizes its cyber forces.

White House launches water cybersecurity pilot in Texas

Project Watershed 250 will stress-test utilities over six months and could serve as a model for protecting water providers nationwide.

Trump admin moves to block risky foreign technology from US power grid

A new executive order targets hardware, software and remote-access services and could require operators to isolate or replace equipment already in use.

ATF investigating ‘major’ cyber incident after ransomware group claim

The agency says the affected system was isolated from its broader network and eForms platform but has not disclosed whether data was stolen.

White House to soon launch water provider cyber protection program

The plans come as several states face water system intrusions from what some official suspect could be linked to Iran.

FBI disables China-linked hacking tools used against US agencies

A hacking group used the tools to target networks belonging to NASA, the Federal Reserve, the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Senate and the departments of Energy, Justice and Health and Human Services.

Treasury sanctions Iranian hackers tied to critical infrastructure breaches

Four of the five people named in the cyber action were also charged last week in the Justice Department’s expanded Mabna Institute case.

Treasury launches task force to prepare financial sector for quantum cyber threats

The public-private task force will focus on moving financial institutions to quantum-resistant technology and addressing risks created by vendors and digital assets.

DOJ charges 17 Iranians in cybertheft campaign

Prosecutors say the Mabna Institute — which conducted intrusions for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, among other campaigns — stole 31.5 terabytes of academic data and breached email accounts at U.S. agencies and companies.

The Russian hurdle in Trump’s new offensive cyber program

The White House wants private companies to help take down cybercriminals overseas. But in Russia, the line between criminal hackers and the government is difficult to draw.