The case is without merit and that the SEC complaint fails to demonstrate any fraudulent intent on the company’s part. SolarWinds argues that the SEC’s allegations are based on hindsight bias and its failure to prevent a sophisticated foreign cyberattack.
Verdicts and settlements.
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has awarded $3.2 million to individuals who were affected by the 2019 Equifax data breach. The payments are part of the FTC’s settlement with Equifax, which occurred after the credit reporting agency exposed the personal data of nearly 150 million people in one of the largest data breaches in US history.
The FTC stated, “We are pleased to be able to send out 60% of the $425 million settlement to the affected consumers who filed claims. This fund is available to pay restitution to those consumers who suffered financial losses because of the breach, pay for the effect on their credit, and provide them with assistance in protecting their personal data.”
Legislation and regulation.
The US House of Representatives has passed the Cyber Diplomacy Act, which was introduced by Representative Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE). The bill aims to elevate the role of the US State Department’s Office of the Coordinator for Cyber Issues and codify the State Department’s efforts to develop and implement a strategic approach to international cybersecurity policy. The bill also establishes a whole-of-government approach to enhancing the United States’ cybersecurity diplomacy efforts abroad, stating that “countries around the world need to develop strong cyber defense and resilience to combat cyber threats from nation-state actors and cybercriminals.”
Awards and accolades.
The US National Security Agency (NSA) has awarded its 2024 Frank Rowlett Award for individual achievements in cryptanalysis to Dr. Kaisa Nyberg, a professor at Aalto University in Finland. The award recognizes Dr. Nyberg’s groundbreaking research in cryptanalysis and her contributions to strengthening international collaboration in the field of cybersecurity and information assurance.
Personalities.
The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, has announced that he is seeking an international agreement to prevent cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, Reuters reports. Borrell stated, “We need a similar international framework for cyberspace. We need norms of state behavior, restraint, and cooperation. And we need to build a global security architecture that fosters trust and prevents conflict, whether in the physical world or in cyberspace.”
International politics.
The United Kingdom has announced that it will impose “tough new sanctions” on Russia in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Russia’s aggression in cyberspace, Politico reports. The sanctions will target Russian oligarchs, banks, and tech companies, and will also include measures to restrict access to Western markets for Russian state-owned enterprises and energy companies.
Cultural issues.
The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution condemning the use of cyberattacks against civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and other essential services. The resolution, introduced by Estonia and cosponsored by 85 countries, emphasizes the need to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats and calls for increased international cooperation to address the growing threat of cyber warfare.
The adopted resolution recognizes that “the use of cyberspace can greatly contribute to international peace and security, and promote social progress and better standards of living and human rights,” while also noting that “the use of cyberspace for malicious purposes, including cyber warfare and cybercrime, poses a threat to international peace and security.”