US authorities are offering $10 million for information on nation-state cyber-attacks
US authorities are offering as much as $10 million in cryptocurrency for information leading to the identification of state-sponsored cyber-attackers.
Beneath the scheme, which takes place under the Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, payouts is likely to be awarded for the identity or location of anybody who, “while acting at the direction or underneath 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 media release states that violations include threats made during ransomware attacks, unauthorized usage of a protected computer with intention to steal sensitive data, and intentionally causing damage without authorization to a protected computer.
This program has set up a reporting channel accessible on the dark web to help protect the safety and security of potential sources.
“Reward payments may include payments in cryptocurrency,” said the Department of State.
More details on the best way to access the Tor-based reporting channel is found in the release.
In the pipeline
The offer of an incentive comes since the US continues to see cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure which have caused chaos across the nation.
In May this season, a ransomware attack on gas supplier Colonial Pipeline cut off services to multiple states on the east coast.
Attackers leveraging DarkSide malware demanded $4.3 million in bitcoin – a sum that was 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 better level of sophistication in their next attacks, world market onion whether that be via training, new tooling, purchasing credentials, or recruitment.