Tag: united states
265 articles
Quad Nations Urged to Share Critical-Mineral Intel
As China tightens its grip on rare earth elements, the US and its allies are racing to secure critical mineral supplies, but there's a glaring gap in their knowledge of global mineral flows. Can the Quad nations bridge this gap by sharing intelligence and turning cooperation into action?
US Companies Face Record $3.45 Billion in Privacy Fines
US companies are facing a record-breaking $3.45 billion in privacy fines, a staggering amount that surpasses the total fines issued over the past five years combined, as regulators shift from education to full-scale enforcement. This surge in fines is driven by stronger state laws, coordinated interstate efforts, and increased scrutiny of AI and automation practices.
US Urged to Block AI Chip Exports to China Amid Distillation Threats
To stay ahead of adversaries, the US must restrict their access to advanced AI chips - a crucial step in preventing them from replicating the capabilities of American AI models. Blocking exports of these chips to China is a vital move, experts warn.
Ramirez Assumes Top House Cybersecurity Post Amid Election Security Push
Rep. Delia Ramirez takes the reins as top Democrat on the House Homeland Security panel's cybersecurity subcommittee, vowing to put election security and Americans' data protection at the forefront. She steps into the role with a clear warning: the current administration's lax approach to cybersecurity won't fly on her watch.
Iran Proposes Deal to Open Strait of Hormuz, End War
Iran has made a bold move, proposing a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and bring an end to the war, but with the US holding all the cards, the odds are against it. The surprising offer, delivered via Pakistan, prioritizes lifting the naval blockade and reopening the strait, with nuclear talks to follow later.
MP7 Surfaces in High-Profile Security Detail at White House Correspondents' Dinner
Stunning photos from the Washington Hilton reveal a highly trained agent swiftly drawing a Heckler & Koch MP7 from a sleek Crye Precision pack during the chaotic response to the April 25, 2026 shooting near the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The dramatic scene showcases the agent's lightning-fast reflexes and top-notch security measures in action.
Healthcare Breaches Decline, But Lax Email Security Persists
Alarmingly, nearly three-quarters of breached healthcare organizations had weak email defenses, with 74% either lacking a DMARC policy or having it set to monitor-only mode, leaving them vulnerable to attacks.
Crypto Launderer Sentenced to 70 Months for $230M Heist Role
Meet Evan Tangeman, a 22-year-old crypto launderer who lived large on stolen millions, racking up half-million-dollar nightclub tabs and luxury cars, before getting sentenced to 70 months in prison for his role in a $230M heist. His lavish lifestyle, fueled by greed, came crashing down with a guilty plea and a lengthy prison term.
Trump Urged to Extract Nuclear Weapons from DOE Oversight
It's time to rethink the oversight of US nuclear weapons - experts Franklin C. Miller and Frank A. Rose argue that stripping the National Nuclear Security Administration from the Department of Energy and making it an independent agency could restore clarity, speed, and accountability to nuclear stewardship. This bold move could be the key to ensuring the nation's nuclear deterrence is effective and efficient.
Air Force Taps Bidders for Nuclear Microreactors at Key Bases
The Air Force has taken a major leap towards energy resilience, partnering with three innovative companies - Antares Nuclear, Inc., Radiant Industries, Inc., and Westinghouse Government Services - to design and operate nuclear microreactors at key bases, starting with Joint Base San Antonio, Buckley Space Force Base, and others to be announced. This strategic move is set to revolutionize the future of air and space dominance with reliable, cutting-edge power solutions.
Hackers Exploit Cisco Firewalls with Persistent Backdoor
A custom implant called Firestarter can infiltrate Cisco network security devices, evading patches and routine reboots by manipulating device boot configuration to restore itself. Only a hard reboot, physically disconnecting the device from its power supply, can clear the persistence mechanism from memory.
AMA Warns Congress of AI Chatbot Data Risks in Mental Health
The American Medical Association is urging Congress to set safeguards for AI chatbots offering mental health guidance, warning of potential risks if these tools aren't designed and deployed responsibly. Well-designed AI tools, however, can bring significant benefits to mental healthcare.
Chinese Hackers Exploit IoT Devices to Obscure Nation-State Attacks
Chinese hackers are sneaking nation-state attacks under the radar by hijacking everyday IoT devices, such as home routers and smart cameras, to hide their digital footprints. This stealthy tactic allows them to evade accountability and strike from the shadows.
Navy Secretary Phelan Departs Pentagon Amid Iran Blockade
In a sudden move, Navy Secretary John C. Phelan is leaving his post, effective immediately, as the Navy maintains a historic blockade of Iranian ports. Undersecretary Hung Cao steps in as acting secretary, following Phelan's swift departure from the Pentagon.
Supreme Court Weighs Limits on Geofence Warrants
The Supreme Court is set to tackle a pressing question: do geofence warrants, a relatively new law enforcement tool, overstep constitutional boundaries? This high-stakes case, Chatrie v. The United States, could have far-reaching implications for digital privacy and police power.
House Republicans Unveil National Data Privacy Bill
House Republicans have introduced the Secure Data Act, a groundbreaking national data privacy bill that puts Americans in control of their personal data and holds companies accountable for keeping it safe. The proposed law would give consumers the power to opt out of data collection for targeted ads, third-party sales, and automated decision-making.
Former Ransomware Negotiator Pleads Guilty to Extortion Scheme
A former ransomware negotiator has pleaded guilty to masterminding a brazen extortion scheme that raked in a staggering $75.3 million, exploiting his position to secretly collude with ransomware gangs and betray the very companies he was supposed to protect. Angelo John Martino III faces up to 20 years in prison for his role in the conspiracy.
Air Force Plans Massive F-15EX Fleet Expansion
The Air Force is significantly ramping up its F-15EX fighter jet acquisition plans, now aiming to purchase a massive 267 Eagle II jets - more than double its previous projections. This expansion, starting with 24 jets in FY27, will help modernize the fleet and replace aging F-15E aircraft.
Ransomware Negotiator Pleads Guilty to Aiding BlackCat Extortions
Meet Angelo Martino, a 41-year-old from Florida who just pleaded guilty to helping the notorious BlackCat ransomware gang extort even bigger payouts from US companies. Martino teamed up with the BlackCat operators in April 2023, marking the start of his involvement in their malicious activities.
Former Ransomware Negotiator Pleads Guilty in High-Profile Gang Case
In a shocking twist, a former ransomware negotiator has pleaded guilty to aiding the notorious ALPHV/BlackCat gang in extorting millions from US businesses, raising disturbing questions about the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator. This comes on the heels of a nonprofit organization paying a staggering $26.8 million ransom.
Former Ransomware Negotiator Pleads Guilty to BlackCat Attacks
A former expert who was paid to negotiate with cybercriminals has taken a shocking turn, pleading guilty to participating in high-profile BlackCat ransomware attacks on US companies. Angelo Martino, a 41-year-old ex-incident responder, admitted to his role in the 2023 attacks.
Coast Guard Rule Ramps Up Maritime Cybersecurity Standards
A new Coast Guard rule is set to revolutionize maritime cybersecurity by enforcing stricter standards on operational technology systems at US ports and commercial vessels, turning a long-overdue necessity into a booming market. This regulatory shift comes at a critical time, as global tensions rise and the shipping industry becomes an increasingly attractive target for cyber threats.
Scotland's Scattered Spider Affiliate Pleads Guilty in US Cryptocurrency Heist
A Scottish affiliate of the notorious Scattered Spider cybercrime crew has pleaded guilty in the US to stealing at least $8 million in cryptocurrency through a cunning phishing and SIM-swap scheme. This guilty plea raises a pressing question: what can $8 million buy in the shadowy world of digital theft?
British Hacker Pleads Guilty to Crypto Theft Charges
A British hacker, allegedly the mastermind behind the notorious Scattered Spider cybercrime collective, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges in a US court, dealing a significant blow to the shadowy network. This guilty plea marks a major win for law enforcement and raises important questions about the future of cybercrime and online security.