Cybersecurity
DOJ seizes $2.3 million in cryptocurrency paid by Colonial Pipeline to hackers
June 8, 2021SSN Staff
WASHINGTON—The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on June 7, 2021, that it seized 63.7 bitcoins currently valued at approximately $2.3 million, allegedly representing the proceeds of a May 8 ransom payment made by Colonial Pipeline to cybercriminal group DarkSide.
The DOJ’s announcement of the seizure of funds came just one month after Colonial Pipeline suffered a devastating ransomware attack on May 6 at the hands of DarkSide in what was arguably the largest cyberattack against...
DOJ to give ransomware attacks same level of priority as terrorism
June 4, 2021SSN Staff
WASHINGTON—Following a slew of cyberattacks that have crippled the nation’s critical infrastructure, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a memo to U.S. attorneys’ offices on June 3, 2021, to elevate ransomware attack investigations to the same level of priority as terrorism.
The memo, issued by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, directs U.S. prosecutors to report information on all ransomware investigations they are working on to the recently formed Ransomware and Digital...
DHS issues Security Directive in wake of Colonial Pipeline attack
May 27, 2021Cory Harris, Managing Editor
WASHINGTON—In the wake of the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack that crippled the nation’s critical infrastructure earlier this month, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced a Security Directive on May 27, 2021, that will enable the Department to better identify, protect against and respond to threats to critical companies in the pipeline sector.
The Security Directive will require critical pipeline owners and operators...
President signs Executive Order to improve the nation’s cybersecurity
May 13, 2021SSN Staff
WASHINGTON—On the heels of arguably the largest cyberattack against U.S. critical infrastructure in the country’s history, President Biden on Wednesday signed an Executive Order to improve the nation’s cybersecurity and protect Federal Government networks.
The Executive Order was signed less than a week after the devastating ransomware attack by cybercriminal group DarkSide on Colonial Pipeline, which operates the country’s largest fuel pipeline, delivering an estimated...
SIA announces cybersecurity certification for the security industry
May 11, 2021SSN Staff
SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced the creation of the Security Industry Cybersecurity Certification (SICC), a new industry credential developed by SIA with support from PSA Security Network and Security Specifiers and the first-ever certification focused specifically on cybersecurity and physical security convergence.
The SICC program is designed for security industry professionals and assesses and validates...
FBI identifies hacker group responsible for pipeline shutdown
May 10, 2021Paul Ragusa, Editor
WASHINGTON—The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a statement today confirming that “Darkside ransomware is responsible for the compromise of the Colonial Pipeline networks,” noting that it is working with Colonial to investigate the incident and get the pipeline up and running again. Meanwhile, experts expect gas and oil prices to rise as government officials and energy companies scramble to get resources to the East coast.
On May 7, Colonial Pipeline Company learned...
Vector Security Networks launches TruIT single-source IT solution
April 21, 2021SSN Staff
PITTSBURGH—Vector Security Networks, a single-source provider of physical security solutions and managed network services to multi-site businesses across North America, has introduced TruIT, a bundled solution that combines secure networking equipment, broadband Internet, professional installation and managed services.
TruIT is a one-source IT solution that eliminates guesswork by combining the best available technology and services that deliver results:
Secure networking that offers...
Zenitel releases Cybersecurity Hardening Guide
March 30, 2021SSN Staff
KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Zenitel, a supplier of intelligent and interoperable communication solutions, announced the release of its Cybersecurity Hardening Guide.
The Zenitel Cybersecurity Hardening Guide follows controls outlined by Center for Internet Security (CIS) SecureSuite, of which Zenitel has been a member for many years. CIS harnesses the power of the global IT community to safeguard private and public organizations against cyber threats. Its CIS Controls Version 7.1 and CIS Benchmarks...
Viakoo awarded patent for cybersecurity of remote IP devices
March 26, 2021SSN Staff
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.—Viakoo, a leading provider of solutions for managing and securing distributed Internet of things (IoT) devices, has been awarded a patent for its innovative method of remotely updating and managing a multitude of IP-connected devices regardless of whether they reside on isolated networks, local networks, or wide area networks.
Unmanaged and IoT devices increase the risk of cyber vulnerabilities and other operational challenges when they are using outdated firmware or...
ESA, ASIS and SIA partner with InfraGard in support of national security
March 22, 2021Paul Ragusa, Editor
WASHINGTON—The Electronic Security Association (ESA), ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA) recently announced a Memorandum of Understanding with The InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA) in support of the InfraGard Electronic Security Industry Cross Sector Council (ESI-CSC).
The INMA leads the private sector side of the InfraGard public-private partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and is comprised of professionals in critical infrastructure...