US authorities are offering $10 million for info on nation-state cyber-attacks
US authorities are offering around $10 million in cryptocurrency for information resulting in the identification of state-sponsored cyber-attackers.
Underneath the scheme, which takes place beneath the Department of State’s Rewards for world market darknet Justice (RFJ) program, payouts will be awarded for the identity or location of anybody who, “while acting at the direction or under 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.
This program has put up a reporting channel accessible on the dark web to greatly help protect the safety and security of potential sources.
“Reward payments may include payments in cryptocurrency,” said the Department of State.
More details on how to access the Tor-based reporting channel is found in the release.
In the pipeline
The offer of a reward comes as the US continues to have cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure that have caused chaos over 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 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 achieve a larger degree of sophistication throughout their next attacks, whether that be via training, new tooling, purchasing credentials, or recruitment.