Content by Dan Gunderman

US State Department to Create Dedicated Cyber Office

Dan Gunderman  •  October 27, 2021

The U.S. Department of State will create a Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, led by a Senate-confirmed ambassador-at-large, to advance its cybersecurity diplomacy efforts, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The move is a response to a challenging global threat landscape.

House Passes Bills on Both Supply Chain, Telecom Security

Dan Gunderman  •  October 21, 2021

In a busy congressional day for cybersecurity legislation, the U.S. House of Representatives passed several bills on Wednesday, targeting both software supply chain and telecommunication system security. One observer describes them as "a win-win for the government and U.S. citizens."

CISA Leader Backs 24-Hour Timeline for Incident Reporting

Dan Gunderman  •  October 20, 2021

A top leader of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has voiced support for a 24-hour timeline for cyber incident reporting involving critical infrastructure, signaling a push by the Biden administration to implement a rapid mechanism for federal response.

Sinclair TV Stations Targeted in Weekend Ransomware Attack

Dan Gunderman  •  October 18, 2021

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., which owns or operates 186 television stations across 87 U.S. markets, has been hit with a ransomware attack that has disrupted operations. The company says the attack has impacted its ability to deliver advertisements and certain programming.

Treasury Department Tells Companies to Comply With Sanctions

Dan Gunderman  •  October 16, 2021

The U.S. Department of the Treasury unveiled additional steps to curb the illicit use of cryptocurrencies on Friday, warning enterprises not to engage with sanctioned entities exploiting the financial system - particularly to launder ransomware proceeds.

US Convenes Global Ransomware Summit Without Russia

Dan Gunderman  •  October 13, 2021

The White House National Security Council this week kicked off its international counter-ransomware event with participation from more than 30 nations. This gathering aims to elevate both law enforcement collaboration and diplomatic efforts. Noticeably absent from the summit: Russia.

Democratic Lawmakers Urge Agencies to Act on Ransomware

Dan Gunderman  •  October 11, 2021

A congressional letter sent to the heads of four federal agencies expressed an urgent need for the Biden administration to continue combating ransomware. This includes a particular focus on the cryptocurrency infrastructure that is enabling these cyberattacks, four Democratic lawmakers say.

US DOJ to Fine Contractors for Failure to Report Incidents

Dan Gunderman  •  October 7, 2021

The U.S. Department of Justice said this week it will pursue government contractors that fail to report cybersecurity incidents. The department also announced the formation of a Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team to prosecute the misuse of virtual currencies.

New Bill Would Require Ransom Disclosure Within 48 Hours

Dan Gunderman  •  October 7, 2021

U.S. lawmakers have introduced legislation that would require the reporting of ransom payments within 48 hours of the transaction. The bill would also require DHS to create a voluntary website to log ransom payments and task the department with studying ransomware and cryptocurrencies.

Top US Cyber Officials Say Ransomware Is Here to Stay

Dan Gunderman  •  October 5, 2021

Some of the highest-ranking cybersecurity officials in the U.S. government discussed the pervasive threat of ransomware on Tuesday, likening it to a clear issue of national security with the ability to inflict measurable damage on major world powers.

President Biden Touts Cybersecurity Efforts

Dan Gunderman  •  October 1, 2021

As Cybersecurity Awareness Month kicks off this week, U.S. President Joe Biden has weighed in on his administration's efforts to curb cyberattacks and bolster the federal government's security posture.

New Legislation Eyes Both Ransom, Incident Reporting

Dan Gunderman  •  September 30, 2021

A bipartisan effort to implement cybersecurity incident reporting and the tracking of ransomware payments has been introduced by leaders of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. While it differs from legislation introduced in July, lawmakers hope to reconcile the bills.

Top Russian Cybersecurity CEO Charged with Treason

Dan Gunderman  •  September 29, 2021

The founder of Group-IB, one of Russia's largest cybersecurity companies, has been detained on state treason charges and will be held in custody for two months, with alleged crimes punishable by up to 20 years in prison, according to wire reports.

US Commerce Officials Seek Comment on IaaS Executive Order

Dan Gunderman  •  September 27, 2021

The U.S. Department of Commerce is soliciting input on a Trump administration cybersecurity executive order that requires cloud providers to verify the identities of certain users - particularly cyber actors potentially operating abroad and leveraging U.S. cloud technologies.

US DHS, FBI Face Ransomware Questions from Congress

Dan Gunderman  •  September 22, 2021

U.S. FBI and Department of Homeland Security leaders fielded several cybersecurity questions from House lawmakers Wednesday, particularly around the surge in ransomware attacks, diplomatic efforts to curb ransomware's financial model, and the nation-states that harbor cybercriminals.