Today, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) updated its policy regarding charging violations under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (“CFAA”). This is the first update to the DOJ’s policy since 2014, and it is effective immediately. The policy states that all federal prosecutors who wish to charge cases under the CFAA must follow the new […]
Cybercrime
White House Releases Recommendations to Protect Against Potential Cyberattacks
The potential for malicious cyber activity has been a concern for the Biden administration throughout the evolving crisis in Ukraine (including the imposition of sanctions against Russia). In response to the concern, the Biden administration, which is now facing “evolving intelligence that Russia may be exploring options for potential cyberattacks,” has released recommendations for companies […]
President Biden Issues Executive Order Directing Coordinated Federal Approach to Digital Assets
As a result of the rise in digital assets, President Biden signed an Executive Order on March 9, 2022 ordering a review of the nation’s approach to cryptocurrency. The Executive Order on Ensuring Responsible Development of Digital Assets (the “Order”) contains both broad policy objectives and specific analysis to be conducted by the federal government. […]
Russia Arrests Suspected Members of REvil Ransomware Gang
Russia’s Federal Security Service (“FSB”) issued a press release on January 14, 2022 claiming that it dismantled the REvil ransomware gang by arresting 14 suspected members and seizing computer equipment, luxury vehicles, bitcoin, and fiat currency valued at over $1 million. REvil is a notorious cybercriminal organization that claimed responsibility for a ransomware attack last […]
FTC Releases Warning to Companies that Fail to Mitigate Log4j Vulnerability
Less than a month ago, a critical vulnerability was identified in the ubiquitous, open source Log4j tool prompting swift guidance from Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and other security practitioners. Now, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned companies that it “intends to use its full legal authority” against any company that fails to […]