US authorities are offering $10 million for informative data on nation-state cyber-attacks
US authorities are offering up to $10 million in cryptocurrency for information resulting in the identification of state-sponsored cyber-attackers.
Under the scheme, which takes place under the Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, payouts will undoubtedly be awarded for the identity or world market url (see post) location of anyone 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 use of a protected computer with intention to steal sensitive data, and intentionally causing damage without authorization to a protected computer.
This system has create 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 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 while 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 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 accomplish a greater degree of sophistication during their next attacks, whether that be via training, new tooling, purchasing credentials, or recruitment.