Lithuania's Public And Private Websites Targeted By Massive Russian Cyberattack Over Kaliningrad Transit Blockade

Russian hacker group Killnet claimed responsibility on Monday for the distributed-denial-of-service (DDOS) attack on Lithuania, which targeted a secure national network (file image)  

Daily Mail: Lithuania is hit by cyberattack and says Russia is 'probably' to blame – days after Kaliningrad blockade sparked fury from Putin 

* Lithuania was hit by cyberattack that knocked out public and private websites 

* Russian hacker group Killnet claimed responsibility on Monday for the attack 

* Pro-Kremlin group said cyberattack in response to Lithuania's decision to block EU-sanctioned goods from reaching the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad

Lithuania was today hit by an 'intense' cyberattack that targeted the country's public and private websites, which Russia was 'probably' behind, said Jonas Skardinskas, the head of the National Cybersecurity Center. 

Russian hacker group Killnet claimed responsibility on Monday for at least some of the distributed-denial-of-service (DDOS) attacks on Lithuania, which targeted a secure national network. 

Read more .....  

WNU Editor: NATO is not going to initiate military actions over this .... Could the Russian cyber attack on Lithuania draw a military response from NATO? (SKY News).

 Lithuania's Public And Private Websites Targeted By Massive Russian Cyberattack Over Kaliningrad Transit Blockade  

Cyberattack hits Lithuania after sanctions feud with Russia -- ABC News/AP  

Russian hacker group says cyber attacks continue on Lithuania -- Reuters  

Pro-Russia hackers claim responsibility for ‘intense, ongoing’ cyberattack against Lithuanian websites -- CNN  

Lithuania Targeted by Massive Russian Cyberattack Over Transit Blockade -- Newsweek  

Russian hackers attack Lithuania over Kaliningrad sanctions -- Politico.eu

European And U.S. Regulators Tell Banks To Prepare For Russian Cyber Attacks

Vladimir Putin could target European and US banks with a coordinated cyber attack to inflict economic chaos worldwide if Russia invades Ukraine  

Daily Mail: Putin 'will hit US and European BANKS with cyber attacks to inflict economic chaos' if Russia invades Ukraine, financial regulators fear 

* European Central Bank is warning financial instructions to shore up defences 

* Fears are mounting Russia could launch cyber attack in response to sanctions 

* Ukraine websites were the target of an alleged Russian cyber attack last month 

Vladimir Putin could target European and US banks with a coordinated cyber attack to inflict economic chaos worldwide if Russia invades Ukraine. 

The European Central Bank has already told banks to conduct cyber war games to test their ability to fend off a potential attack, with financial regulators on high alert for a new strike. 

A military invasion would likely land Russia with its own economic sanctions, but insiders fear Putin may strike first and try to disrupt the West's economic structures. 

Read more .... 

European And U.S. Regulators Tell Banks To Prepare For Russian Cyber Attacks 

European, U.S. regulators tell banks to prepare for Russian cyberattack threat -- Reuters 

European regulator warns banks of possible Russian cyberattack -- The Hill  

Banks Told to Be Vigilant on Cyber Risk as Russia Tensions Rise -- Bloomberg  

European banks panicking over Russia-Ukraine crisis – reports -- RT

IMF And 10 Countries Simulates A Cyberattack On The Global Financial System

IMF, the World Bank and 10 countries take part in a simulation of a cyber attack on global financial system. © Reuters/AMMAR AWAD 

 Reuters: Exclusive-IMF, 10 countries simulate cyberattack on global financial system 

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel on Thursday led a 10-country simulation of a major cyberattack on the global financial system in an attempt to increase cooperation that could help to minimise any potential damage to financial markets and banks. 

The simulated "war game", as Israel's Finance Ministry called it and planned over the past year, evolved over 10 days, with sensitive data emerging on the Dark Web. 

The simulation also used fake news reports that in the scenario caused chaos in global markets and a run on banks. 

The simulation -- likely caused by what officials called "sophisticated" players -- featured several types of attacks that impacted global foreign exchange and bond markets, liquidity, integrity of data and transactions between importers and exporters.  

Read more ....  

Update: Israel said to lead 10-country simulation of major cyberattack on world markets (Times of Israel)  

WNU Editor: The biggest problem they discovered from this simulation was on how all governments found themselves in the impossible position to clarify/explain to the public why the global financial system was paralyzed. 

No kidding. 

 What can you say to your citizens that the financial system that everyone is dependent on is no longer working while trying to avoid mass panic at the same time.

White House Holds A Global Ransomware Summit Without Russia Or China

 

Daily Mail: White House schedules a global ransomware summit WITHOUT Russia or China - despite saying they are the worst offenders in a global hacking epidemic that has cost $400M 

* 30 nations met virtually to discuss ransomware attacks on Wednesday morning 

* The White House did not invite Russia, which is behind many of the attacks 

* 'In this particular forum they were not invited to participate,' said an official 

* Also missing was the world's second biggest economy, China 

* The U.S. government said cyber ransoms totaled more than $400M last year 

Russia was not invited to attend a 30-country virtual meeting to discuss ransomware on Wednesday, according to a senior Biden administration official. 

The country hosts many of the hacker syndicates believed to be behind an epidemic of global attacks that cost $400 million in payments last year but will not be part of a White House-led effort to find new strategies to counter the threat. 

 'We are having active discussions with the Russians, but in this particular forum they were not invited to participate,' said a senior administration official. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: This two day summit ends today. 

More News On The White House Holding A Global Ransomware Summit  

White House kicks off 2-day meeting to rally world leaders in push against ransomware -- Yahoo News 

World leaders recognize ransomware attacks as 'global security threat' -- The Hill  

US calls on Russia to do more to crack down on ransomware groups as White House hosts meeting with allies -- CNN  

US, allies to promise ‘disruptive action’ against ransomware gangs -- Politico  

US hosts global cybersecurity meeting — without Russia -- DW  

Russia left out of White House's 30-country ransomware summit -- Axios

60 Members Of The US Congress Targeted In Latest Ransomware Hack

 

Daily Mail: Cyber criminals target Congress: 60 members from both parties are left UNABLE TO ACCESS data for weeks in latest ransomware hack 

* In latest ransomware attack, members of Congress are hacked 

* At least 60 lawmakers left unable to access constituent data for weeks 

* Target was iConstituent, a tech vendor that provides constituent services 

* Issue is still being resolved as lawmaker frustration grows 

* Unclear who is responsible for attack * US government and companies have been targeted by Russian cyber hackers 

* President Biden will discuss matter with Putin when they meet next week 

At least 60 members of Congress from both parties have been unable to access data for weeks in the latest ransomware attack to strike the United States. 

The target was iConstituent, a tech vendor that provides constituent outreach services to dozens of House offices, including a newsletter service that allows lawmakers to communicate with residents in their districts and a service to track constituent casework. 

It's the latest cyber attack after a series of hacks against the US executive branch and American companies have left many institutions feeling vulnerable and the Biden administration struggling to deal with the situation.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: It is becoming an epidemic .... Tough fight looms against ransomware 'epidemic' (AFP). It is also a national security threat .... Ransomware attacks saddle Biden with grave national security crisis (CNN). My biggest fear is that these attacks will start to successfully target our financial institutions.When that happens .... and I expect it will happen soon .... it will be a game-changer.

On a personal note. I am personally involved in a few web projects. To protect our data we now back-up everything once a week and then disconnect it from the network.

U.S. Charges Chinese Hackers For Trying To Steal Covid-19 Research And Other Sensitive Government Information

The government said the plot, said to have begun in 2009, was not only carried out for financial gain but also for the benefit of the Chinese government

Daily Mail: Two Chinese hackers, 34 and 33, are charged with trying to steal US coronavirus vaccine research and 'hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of other sensitive government information

* Li Xiaoyu, 34, and Dong Jiazhi, 31, allegedly stole 'hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of trade secrets and sensitive government information
* The decade-long scheme reportedly involved the hacking of hundreds of government organizations and private companies, including COVID-19 labs
* The government said the plot was not only carried out for financial gain but also for the direct benefit of the Chinese government
* They allegedly breached defense contractors and stole sensitive military including about military satellite programs and communications systems
* The indictment says the two men were assisted by an unnamed Chinese intelligence officer who is known to the grand jury
* It's unclear if Li or Dong successfully obtained information on vaccine research

The Department of Justice announced Tuesday it has charged two Chinese hackers with trying to steal US COVID-19 research as well as other sensitive government information.

Chinese Nationals Li Xiaoyu, 34, and Dong Jiazhi, 31, allegedly stole 'hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of trade secrets, intellectual property, and other valuable business information in a sophisticated, decade-long scheme.

They're accused of hacking hundreds of companies, government organizations, dissidents, human rights activists and private companies, including those engaged in COVID-19 vaccine research.

Read more ....

More News On The U.S. Charging Chinese Hackers For Trying To Steal Covid-19 Research And Other Sensitive Government Information

US accuses Chinese hackers in targeting of COVID-19 research -- AP
U.S. accuses Chinese nationals of hacking spree for COVID-19 data, defense secrets -- Reuters
US charges Chinese Covid-19 research 'cyber-spies' -- BBC
Chinese hackers tried to steal COVID research, hacked hundreds of companies: US -- AFP
US accuses China of hacking coronavirus researchers, others -- Al Jazeera

Cyber Adversaries Are Taking Advantage Of The Current Pandemic To Test Cyber Defenses

U.S. servicemembers and civilians, along with partner nation servicemembers, work to improve tactical level cyber operations skills against a live opposing force at the Joint Training Facility in Suffolk, Virginia during U.S. Cyber Command's annual exercise, Cyber Flag. (Photos provided by U.S. Cyber Command Public Affairs)

James Yeager, Fifth Domain: In chaos, there’s opportunity … and that’s bad news

This year is only four months old and it’s already one for the history books — and not in a great way.

As the defense community works in tandem with the broader government to keep citizens safe and healthy, cybersecurity threats are only becoming more aggressive.

If we’ve learned anything about cyber adversaries, it’s that they will seize on any opportunity to gain an advantage in targeting their victims, including exploiting the fears of the public during a global pandemic. As COVID-19 has moved from the East to the West, adversaries have followed suit, using lures that play into people’s desperation for information on the disease. In “The Art of War,” Sun-Tzu said“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.”

The COVID-19 virus is infecting more than just people. The pandemic has created chaos and handed adversaries an irresistible opportunity to exploit the situation to gain entry into our networks, whether that’s to steal intellectual property, disrupt operations, or gain a strategic advantage if they are a nation-state actor.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: I have noticed a number of anomalies in the past few weeks when it comes to networks. Far more than usual. My internet speed has slowed down at my home in Montreal and up north. Interruptions in doing online banking. ATMs being down. Etc.. Coincidence? A lack of personnel to correct web issues? You tell me.

U.S. Navy Contractors Are 'Under Cyber Siege' By Chinese Hackers

Business Insider: The US Navy and its partners are 'under cyber siege' from Chinese hackers and are hemorrhaging national security secrets

* An internal review found that the US Navy and its industry partners are "under cyber siege" from Chinese, Russian, and Iranian hackers, among others, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.
* Chinese hackers, accused of stealing boatloads of sensitive data on US military projects over the years, are reportedly considered the primary threat.
* The review paints a dire picture, one that comes despite neither the Navy nor the Pentagon knowing the full extent of the damage.

An internal US Navy review concluded that the service and its various industry partners are "under cyber siege" from Chinese hackers who are building Beijing's military capabilities while eroding the US's advantage, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.

Chinese hackers have repeatedly hit the Navy, defense contractors, and even universities that partner with the service.

"We are under siege," a senior Navy official told The Journal. "People think it's much like a deadly virus — if we don't do anything, we could die."

Read more ....

Update: 'Under Siege': US Navy Reportedly Admits Its Cybersecurity in 'Dire' Situation (Sputnik)

WNU Editor: So much for Chinese President Xi's promise that China would not do this .... U.S., allies slam China for brazen cyberattacks as Trump administration indicts hackers (Politico).

Chinese Hackers Are Intensifying Their Efforts To Steal US Navy Secrets

Business Insider: Chinese hackers are reportedly stealing loads of US Navy secrets, and the Navy is scrambling to stop it

* Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer warned in an internal memo in October that "attempts to steal critical information are increasing in both severity and sophistication," The Wall Street Journal reported Friday.
* The secretary has launched a review of the service branch's cybersecurity weaknesses, as Chinese hackers target contractors and subcontractors to steal military secrets.
* China allegedly targets US military service branches, commercial entities, and even critical national security infrastructure, and these attacks appear to be on the rise.

US Navy defense contractors and subcontractors have reportedly suffered "more than a handful" of disconcerting security breaches at the hands of Chinese hackers over the past year and a half.

"Attacks on our networks are not new, but attempts to steal critical information are increasing in both severity and sophistication," Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer said in an internal memo in October, The Wall Street Journal, which reviewed the memo, reported Friday.

"We must act decisively to fully understand both the nature of these attacks and how to prevent further loss of vital military information," he added.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The Chinese have been denying these allegations for years .... U.S. must stop using "cyber theft" issue to smear China: FM spokesperson (Xinhuanet).

Western Nations Accuse Russia Of A Global Hacking Campaign

Daily Mail: Britain, Holland and US spearhead fightback against Putin's cyber war as they reveal how Moscow's web of hackers hit high-profile targets across the globe - including chemical weapons watchdog probing Salisbury attack

* US charges 7 Russian spies with crimes including hacking, identity theft and fraud using crypto-currencies
* British cyber security group accuses Russia's GRU of at least four hacking attacks around the world
* Dutch authorities lift lid on operation to hack chemical weapons HQ in Netherlands in April
* Men were picked up with a cache of computer equipment, linking them to other incidents, and sent home
* US has released wanted poster featuring four Hague hackers and three others linked to anti-doping hacks
* GRU operatives - working under what US identified as Unit 26165 - created fake 'hacktivist' Fancy Bears group
* Russia faces storm of hacking allegations, but denies claims, calling latest evidence 'big fantasies'

Russian hackers waged a four-year disinformation campaign against the west in which they obtained sensitive information from weapons watchdogs and anti-doping sports bodies, it emerged today.

Seven Kremlin agents working for the GRU are accused of hacking the records of 250 athletes from 30 countries as they travelled across the globe using the intelligence obtained to spread fake news designed to bolster President Vladimir Putin's position on the world stage.

The targets included FIFA, the World Anti-Doping Agency and the 2016 US presidential race that resulted in the election of Donald Trump.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The Kremlin responds .... Diplomat calls Netherlands’ ‘Russian cyber attack’ allegations ‘spy mania’ syndrome (TASS). More here .... Hacking accusations against Russia a smear campaign timed with NATO cyberwarfare meeting – diplomat (RT).

More News On Russia Being Accused Of A Global Hacking Campaign

Russia cyber-plots: US, UK and Netherlands allege hacking -- BBC
West accuses 'pariah state' Russia of global hacking campaign -- Reuters
West accuses Russian spy agency GRU of scores of attacks -- AP
Russia's GRU spies behind dozens of 'reckless' cyber attacks, Government confirms -- The Telegraph
Dutch government says it disrupted Russian attempt to hack chemical weapons watchdog -- Reuters
Justice Dept. indicts 7 Russian intelligence officers in international hacking scheme -- CNN
U.S. indicts seven Russians for hacking nuclear company Westinghouse -- Reuters
US indicts seven Russian military intel agents in global hacking conspiracy -- AFP
Justice Dept. indicts 7 Russian intelligence officers in international hacking scheme -- CNN

Report: North Korea's APT38 Hacking Group Responsible For Robbing Tens Of Millions From Banks

ZDNet: North Korea's APT38 hacking group behind bank heists of over $100 million

New FireEye report provides insight into North Korea's financially-motivated hacking operations.

According to a new report published today by US cyber-security firm FireEye, there's a clear and visible distinction between North Korea's hacking units --with two groups specialized in political cyber-espionage, and a third focused only in cyber-heists at banks and financial institutions.

For the past four years, ever since the Sony hack of 2014, when the world realized North Korea was a serious player on the cyber-espionage scene, all three groups have been incessantly covered by news media under the umbrella term of Lazarus Group.

Read more ....

Update #1: NKorea said to have stolen a fortune in online bank heists -- AP
Update #2: NKorea said to have stolen a fortune in online bank heists -- The Telegraph

WNU Editor: It seems that Kim Jong-un always wants more .... Kim Jong-un net worth: How does North Korea’s Supreme Leader earn his bllions? (Daily Star).

U.S. And U.K. Accuse Russia Of Global Net Hack Attacks

Reuters: U.S., Britain blame Russia for global cyber attack

(Reuters) - The United States and Britain on Monday accused Russia of launching cyber attacks on computer routers, firewalls and other networking equipment used by government agencies, businesses and critical infrastructure operators around the globe.
A man poses inside a server room at an IT company in this June 19, 2017 illustration photo.

Washington and London issued a joint alert saying the campaign by Russian government-backed hackers was intended to advance spying, intellectual property theft and other “malicious” activities and could be escalated to launch offensive attacks.

It followed a series of warnings by Western governments that Moscow is behind a string of cyber attacks. The United States, Britain and other nations in February accused Russia of releasing the “NotPetya” virus, which in 2017 crippled parts of Ukraine’s infrastructure and damaged computers across the globe, costing companies billions of dollars.

Read more ....

More News On The U.S. And U.K. Accusing Russia Of Global Net Hack Attacks

US and UK Warn of Cybersecurity Threat From Russia -- New York Times
US, Britain warn of Russian campaign to hack networks -- AFP
US and UK blame Russia for 'malicious' cyber-offensive -- The Guardian
Russia accused of global net hack attacks -- BBC
Russia targeting millions of web users in west, warn US and UK -- Financial Times
UK and US accuse Russia of cyber attack that compromised global networks -- DW
Russian hackers targeting millions of devices around the world, US and UK warn -- The Independent
Russia preparing to mount cyber-attack on Britain's 'critical infrastructure', GCHQ and FBI warn -- The Telegraph

Pentagon: Russian Trolls Increased ‘2,000 Percent’ After Syria Attack

Pentagon: “The Russian disinformation campaign has already begun. There has been a 2,000 percent increase in Russian trolls in the last 24 hours.” pic.twitter.com/xVkJzAHOqs

— NBC News (@NBCNews) April 14, 2018

FOX News: Russian trolls launch a disinformation campaign after the Syria airstrikes: Pentagon

Following U.S.-led coalition strikes in Syria to degrade chemical weapons capabilities, the Pentagon says it's seen a “2,000 percent increase” in Russian “disinformation.”

Russia, a close ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has reportedly started a new campaign to spread propaganda and other false narratives on social media after the U.S., France and the United Kingdom staged airstrikes in Syria this weekend in response to Assad’s alleged use of chemical weapons.

Chief Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White said at a briefing on Saturday that “there has been a 2,000 percent increase in Russian trolls in the last 24 hours.”

Read more ....

Update: Russian Trolls Increased ‘2,000 Percent’ After Syria Attack, Pentagon Says (Newsweek)

WNU Editor: The Pentagon appears to be very sure on this 2,000 per cent increase.

Kremlin: Russia Is Attacked by U.S. Hackers Everyday But We Do Not Cry About It

A screenshot, taken Friday night, of the gag performed by the unidentified American online vigilante "The Jester."

RT: Russia doesn’t cry ‘Washington hackers’ despite daily attacks from US territory – Kremlin

Moscow registers daily cyberattacks emanating from the territory of the United States, but does not make ludicrous accusations that it is orchestrated by the White House or US intelligence agencies, Kremlin press-secretary Dmitry Peskov has said.

“Hacking attacks, which are carried out from the US territory, are recorded daily, including attacks targeting the website of the Russian President,” Peskov told journalists on Thursday, adding that similar attacks “come from the territories of many countries around the world.”

Read more ....

WNU Editor: U.S. hackers have been far more successful than what they have been credited for .... American vigilante hacker sends Russia a warning (CNN)

More News On Kremlin Claims That They Are Being Hacked Everyday By Hackers In The U.S.

Russia hacked 'every day' from US territory, Kremlin says (CNN)
Russia Targeted in Daily Cyberattacks From US Territory - Kremlin (Sputnik)
US hackers attack Kremlin daily, but not grounds to blame American officials — spokesman (TASS)

Report: Russian Hackers Want Hush Money From Progressive Groups Who Are Paying For Anti-Trump Protests

Bloomberg: Russian Hackers Said to Seek Hush Money From Liberal Groups

* Post-election crime wave by attackers demanding bitcoins
* Center for American Progress said to be among victims

Russian hackers are targeting U.S. progressive groups in a new wave of attacks, scouring the organizations’ emails for embarrassing details and attempting to extract hush money, according to two people familiar with probes being conducted by the FBI and private security firms.

At least a dozen groups have faced extortion attempts since the U.S. presidential election, said the people, who provided broad outlines of the campaign. The ransom demands are accompanied by samples of sensitive data in the hackers’ possession.

In one case, a non-profit group and a prominent liberal donor discussed how to use grant money to cover some costs for anti-Trump protesters. The identities were not disclosed, and it’s unclear if the protesters were paid.

At least some groups have paid the ransoms even though there is little guarantee the documents won’t be made public anyway. Demands have ranged from about $30,000 to $150,000, payable in untraceable bitcoins, according to one of the people familiar with the probe.

Read more ....

Update: Russian hackers targeting liberal groups: report (The Hill)

WNU Editor: If this report is true .... those emails must be incredibly explosive.

Chief Of Russia's Security Council Is Saying That Russia Is Facing An Increase In Cyber Attacks From Abroad

Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev. © Vitaly Nevar / TASS

Reuters: Russia says facing increased cyber attacks from abroad

Russia is facing increased cyber attacks from abroad, a senior security official was quoted on Sunday as saying, responding to Western accusations that Moscow is aggressively targeting information networks in the United States and Europe.

U.S. intelligence agencies say Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a cyber campaign aimed at boosting Donald Trump's electoral chances by discrediting his Democrat rival Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential campaign.

Russia has dismissed the accusations as a "witch-hunt".

"Recently we have noted a significant increase in attempts to inflict harm on Russia's informational systems from external forces," Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of Russia's Security Council, told the Rossiiskaya Gazeta daily, according to excerpts of an interview to be published in full on Monday.

"The global (Internet) operators and providers are widely used, while the methods they use constantly evolve," said Patrushev, a former head of the FSB secret service and a close ally of Putin

Read more ....

Update #1: Kremlin says cyberattacks against Russia see marked increase (CBS/AP)
Update #2: Russian Security Council: But we're getting hacked, too -- DW
Update #3: Obama Administration's Hacking Claims Groundless - Russian Security Council Head (Sputnik)

WNU Editor: The chief of Russia's Security Council is primarily pointing his finger at the U.S. .... US uses its servers for unauthorized data collecting - Security Council (TASS)

US Officially Accuses The Russian Government For Launching Cyber Attacks Against The U.S.

The headquarters of the Democratic National Committee is seen in Washington, U.S. June 14, 2016. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Washington Post: U.S. government officially accuses Russia of hacking campaign to interfere with elections

The Obama administration on Friday officially accused Russia of attempting to interfere in the 2016 elections, including by hacking the computers of the Democratic National Committee and other political organizations.

The denunciation, made by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Department of Homeland Security, came as pressure was growing from within the administration and some lawmakers to hold Moscow accountable for a set of actions apparently aimed at sowing discord around the election.

“The U.S. intelligence community is confident that the Russian government directed the recent compromises of e-mails from U.S. persons and institutions, including from U.S. political organizations,” said a joint statement from the two agencies. “These thefts and disclosures are intended to interfere with the US election process.”

Read more ....

More News On The U.S. Officially Accusing Russia Of Cyber Attacks

US blames Russia for hacking political sites -- AP
U.S. formally accuses Russian hackers with political cyber attacks -- Reuters
US accuses Russia of cyber attacks -- BBC
U.S. Blames Russia for Recent Hacks -- WSJ
US Officially Accuses The Russian Government For Launching Cyber Attacks Against The U.S. -- Politico
U.S. Publicly Blames Russian Government for Hacking -- NBC
U.S. Publicly Blames Russia for Hacking to Disrupt Elections -- Bloomberg
US Accuses Russia of Hacking Attempts on Political Groups -- VOA
US gov't officially accuses Russia of political hacks -- RT
US Intelligence Agencies Claim Russia Behind US Election Hacks -- Sputnik

U.S. Still Not Sure On How To Respond To A Cyber Attack From A Foreign Government

President Obama during a visit to a government cybersecurity center in Arlington, Va., in 2015. Credit Stephen Crowley/The New York Times

New York Times: U.S. Wrestles With How to Fight Back Against Cyberattacks

ASPEN, Colo. — It has been an open secret throughout the Obama presidency that world powers have escalated their use of cyberpower. But the recent revelations of hacking into Democratic campaign computer systems in an apparent attempt to manipulate the 2016 election is forcing the White House to confront a new question: whether, and if so how, to retaliate.

So far, the administration has stopped short of publicly accusing the Russian government of President Vladimir V. Putin of engineering the theft of research and emails from the Democratic National Committee and hacking into other campaign computer systems. However, private investigators have identified the suspects, and American intelligence agencies have told the White House that they have “high confidence” that the Russian government was responsible.

Less certain is who is behind the selective leaks of the material, and whether they have a clear political objective. Suspecting such meddling is different from proving it with a certainty sufficient for any American president to order a response.

Read more ....

Update: US to Use 'All Tools' Available to Respond to Cyberattacks - Homeland Security (Sputnik)

WNU Editor: This debate on what the U.S. should do when other countries launch cyber attacks against U.S. networks has been ongoing for years. You would think that by now they would have a clear idea on how to detect and respond .... both publicly and in secret. Apparently .... the answer is not.

U.S. Director of National Intelligence: Foreign Hackers Targeting Presidential Campaigns

CNN: Intel chief: Presidential campaigns under cyber attack

(CNN)Cyber hackers -- possibly working for foreign governments -- are trying to infiltrate the Democratic and Republican presidential campaigns, a senior U.S. intelligence official said Wednesday.

"We've already had some indications of that," James Clapper, the director of national intelligence, said in Washington.

During the 2008 presidential campaign, U.S. intelligence agencies traced massive cyber attacks to China. At that time, both the Democratic candidate, now-President Barack Obama, and his Republican rival John McCain, were targeted. Officials said hackers were trying to seize sensitive data, including private emails and information on high-level economic and national security briefings senior aides might have received.

Read more ....

More News On Claims That Foreign Hackers Are Targeting The U.S. Presidential Campaign

U.S. Intelligence: Foreign hackers spying on campaigns -- AP
Hackers target presidential campaigns: U.S. spy chief -- Reuters
Intelligence Chief Says Presidential Campaigns Are Cyber Targets -- ABC News
James Clapper: Hackers targeting 2016 presidential candidates -- CBS
Intelligence Director Clapper: Foreign Hackers Spying on Campaigns -- NBC
U.S. intelligence chief: Foreign hackers spying on presidential campaigns -- UPI
Clapper: Cyber threats against presidential campaigns are growing -- Politico
Clapper Warns of Hackers Targeting Presidential Campaigns -- US News and World Report
National Intelligence boss warns that US presidential candidates are victims of cyber espionage -- The Independent
Intel chief: Foreign hackers trying to spy on presidential campaigns -- The Hill
Foreign hackers just can't get enough of the U.S. presidential election and are trying to hack into campaigns, the top U.S. intelligence official says -- Daily Mail
Clapper: Hackers target US presidential campaigns -- DW
Clapper: Cyberattacks May Have Targeted Presidential Campaigns -- VOA

More Cyber Breaches In U.S. Government Systems

Cadet 1st Class Jordan Keefer, center, coordinates cadet efforts to defend their network during the National Security Agency's Cyber Defense Exercise April 17, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Raymond McCoy).

The Hill: Lawmakers unnerved by reports of new cyber breaches

Lawmakers in both parties say breaches reported this week at the Department of Justice and the Internal Revenue Service are the latest indication of the government’s weak defenses against cyber criminals.

While the administration has sought to downplay both incidents, some lawmakers are hitting the White House, arguing the intrusions offer further evidence that the government can’t be trusted to protect its highly sensitive networks.

“[President Obama] has neglected to take tangible steps to address these persistent cyberinfrastructure challenges,” Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) said in a Wednesday statement that accused the administration of trying to sweep the IRS breach “under the rug.”

Opinion is hardly unanimous. Unlike last spring’s hack of the Office of Personnel Management, which provoked widespread criticism, some aren’t sure what to make of the latest incidents.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: These reports are coming on the heel of this report early this week .... After Spending Billions The U.S. Cyber Defense System Does Not Work.