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 ultimately causing the identification of state-sponsored cyber-attackers.
Under the scheme, which takes place beneath the Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, payouts is likely to be awarded for world market onion the identity or location of anybody 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 media 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 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 how to access the Tor-based reporting channel can be found in the release.
In the pipeline
The offer of an incentive comes because the US continues to have cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure which have caused chaos throughout 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 larger amount of sophistication throughout their next attacks, whether that be via training, new tooling, purchasing credentials, or recruitment.