Crossroads Blog | Institute National Security and Counterterrorism

bitcoin, blockchain, Cybersecurity, Data Breaches, ransomware

Cyber Round Up: New leak could be devastating; Security and cryptocurrency; Governors stress cyber needs

  • New leak exposes a trove of personal passwords and sensitive info (Mashable):  News over the weekend suggests that a recent leak could be one of the most devastating in recent memory.  The report says that Cloudflare, one of the biggest websites for internet security, was the victim of a hack.  Unfortunately, according to the article, the extent of the damage is unknown, but it recommended that people should start changing passwords on a multitude of sites immediately.   A quote in the report from a member of Google’s security team is telling of the nature of the breach: a”The examples we’re finding are so bad … I’m finding private messages from major dating sites, full messages from a well-known chat service, online password manager data, frames from adult video sites, hotel bookings . . .We’re talking full https requests, client IP addresses, full responses, cookies, passwords, keys, data, everything.”   The article can be read in its entirety here.

  • The cybersecurity side of cryptocurrency (CSO):   Bitcoin isn’t the only online currency, and it isn’t all good news.  A recent article  discussed how regulators, as they often are, are lagging behind when it comes to blockchain technology and online currency and that significant vulnerabilities exist as a result.  The piece first explains that new “altcoins,” an abbreviation for bitcoin alternatives, are being developed and used every day.  The online currency market is now valued at $13 billion, the article said.  But it’s not all good, as these have created a unique opportunity for ransomware attacks.  The article also explained that they have become an easy way for criminals to launder their money.   The full article can be read here.
  • Governors put spotlight on cybersecurity (The Hill):  Cyber security remained a political hot topic over the weekend, this time being touted as crucial by numerous state governors.  While cyber security policy often gets attention at the federal level, an article  said that governors were stressing how important it is for states, too.  VA Gov. Terry McAuliffe said that his state alone was targeted by 86 million cyber attacks last year. The event Saturday was one of two focusing on cyber security during the National Governors Association winter meetings.  McAuliffe, like many others, has emphasized the need for public-private partnerships, including one he established between Virginia and Amazon to create a stronger cyber workforce.  The full piece can be found here.

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