Emerging Tech
Sixth Member of International Hacking Community Sentenced in SIM Card Scheme
In response to the growing number of SIM hijacking incidents, federal law enforcement is cracking down on perpetrators.
Cybersecurity
White House Holiday Warning Identifies Options for Reporting Ransomware
The FBI has a prominent portal for entities to report cybersecurity incidents, but Congress is considering legislation that officials fear could change the current dynamic.
Cybersecurity
Iranian Nationals Charged with Election Interference
The Justice Department identified two hackers as conspirators in cyberattacks aimed at spreading voter intimidation and election disinformation.
Cybersecurity
U.S. Government Acts Against Alleged REvil Hackers
The Justice Department announced two indictments while the State Department offered $10 million for information on other conspirators.
Digital Government
Better Data Would Help Federal Response to Missing Indigenous Women, Watchdog Says
The Government Accountability Office recommends improving database access and management, as well as better communication, to help resolve cases of missing and murdered Native American and Alaskan women.
Cybersecurity
Justice Official Dangles Liability Protections to Encourage Private-Sector Breach Reports
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco also promised to compensate whistleblowers who reveal federal contractors misrepresenting their cybersecurity posture.
Cybersecurity
DOJ Announces Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team
The group will include cybersecurity and anti-money laundering experts looking to crack down on ransomware and other criminal efforts.
Cybersecurity
DOJ to Hit Government Contractors with ‘Very Hefty Fines’ If They Fail to Disclose Data Breaches
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco promised to use an existing law to go after contractors that don't follow required cybersecurity standards.
Emerging Tech
DOJ Seeks Congressional Funding to Implement Policy on Body-Worn Cameras
The announcement follows tensions with some local police departments over the authority to release footage recorded during joint operations.
Digital Government
Justice Department Announces New Cyber Fellowship Program
The program is designed for attorneys and requires a three-year commitment.
Emerging Tech
Drug Enforcement Feds Want Augmented Reality to Monitor U.S./Mexico Border
The agency is already putting some capabilities to use.
Cybersecurity
Agencies Unveil Plans to Fight Ransomware—Including Paying for Tips
The State Department’s Rewards for Justice program is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information about attackers targeting U.S. critical infrastructure.
Digital Government
DOJ to Help Rural and Tribal Law Enforcement Agencies Buy Body-Worn Cameras
The competitive grants program will also help agencies with fewer than 50 personnel.
Digital Government
Britney Spears’ Testimony Spurs Lawmakers to Question Federal Guardianship Data
They asked the Justice and Health and Human Services departments to provide more information about the legal arrangements.
Emerging Tech
Reps Call for Review Into Alleged FBI ‘Misconduct’ Against Chinese Scientist Accused of Spying
They asked the Inspector General to launch a new investigation.
Cybersecurity
Justice Took Down Two Domains Used in USAID Hack
The action demonstrates the department’s authorities beyond attributing malicious cyber activity.
Ideas
The FBI Is Breaking into Corporate Computers to Remove Malicious Code – Smart Cyber Defense or Government Overreach
The actions raise questions about the power of courts to regulate cybersecurity without the consent of the owners of the targeted computers.
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.
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