US authorities are offering $10 million for info on nation-state cyber-attacks
US authorities are offering around $10 million in cryptocurrency for information leading to the identification of state-sponsored cyber-attackers.
Underneath the scheme, which happens beneath the Department of State’s Rewards for World Market Url; Justshot.Pe.Kr, 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 press 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.
The program 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.
Additional information on how best to access the Tor-based reporting channel are available in the release.
In the pipeline
The offer of a reward comes since the US continues to see cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure that have caused chaos across the nation.
In May this year, 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 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 amount of sophistication during their next attacks, whether that be via training, new tooling, purchasing credentials, or recruitment.