US authorities are offering $10 million for info on nation-state cyber-attacks
US authorities are offering up to $10 million in cryptocurrency for information leading to the identification of state-sponsored cyber-attackers.
Beneath the scheme, which occurs under the Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, payouts will undoubtedly be awarded for the identity or location of anyone who, “while acting at the direction or beneath the control of a foreign government, participates in malicious cyber activities against US critical infrastructure in violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA).
A press release states that violations include threats made during ransomware attacks, unauthorized access to a protected computer with intention to steal sensitive data, and intentionally causing damage without authorization to a protected computer.
This system has set up a reporting channel accessible on the dark web to simply help protect the safety and security of potential sources.
“Reward payments may include payments in cryptocurrency,” said the Department of State.
More info on the best way to access the Tor-based reporting channel are available in the release.
In the pipeline
The offer of an incentive comes whilst the US continues to experience cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure that have caused chaos throughout the nation.
In May in 2020, a ransomware attack on gas supplier Colonial Pipeline stop services to multiple states on the east coast.
Attackers leveraging DarkSide malware demanded $4.3 million in bitcoin – a sum that has been reportedly paid out by the company.
Security professionals previously told The Daily Swig that in paying ransoms, organizations risk perpetuating a “feedback loop of malicious activity” that “allows the groups to reach a larger level of sophistication during their next attacks, world market url – just click the up coming site, whether that be via training, new tooling, purchasing credentials, or recruitment.