What is happening? Politico Cybersecurity says Conti ransomware gang and the LockBit 2.0 ransomware group have vowed in recent days to attack the critical infrastructure of any nation that retaliates against Russia Why is this important? Remember the hackers who seized control of the Colonial Pipeline. How will this be important? Besides wondering whether cyber insurance policies hold […]
Author Archives: Tessa Zavala
State Data Security Reactions Amid Ukraine Invasion
What is happening? In Texas, “Gov. Greg Abbott sent a letter to the Texas Department of Information Resources and the Department of Public Safety directing both agencies to use their resources to safeguard critical infrastructure and to help local governments and school districts with their needs.” “Colorado Gov. Jared Polis issued an executive order directing the Office of Information Technology […]
45 Organizations Call for no 3rd Party Vendors for Digital IDs
What is happening? 45 organizations including the Electronic Privacy Information Center, the Algorithmic Justice League, Fight for the Future, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Project on Government Oversight are calling on state and federal government to cease using 3rd party digital identification systems, ID.me. Why is this important? There is no comprehensive law […]
IRS stopped using facial recognition for identity verification
What is happening? The IRS has stopped verifying identities with facial recognition software because it as using a 3rd party product and the government has an identity verification program. (e.g. don’t give 3rd parties access) Why is this important? At the heart of this is the concept that “digital identity management a “core government service.” […]
Expunging Government Data
What is happening? The City of Baltimore is expunging data collected by a now defunct low level surveillance plane program. Why is this important? Expunging this data is complicated. During the time the planes flew, 1,532 crimes were committed, only 158 crimes that relied on evidence from the planes, and 38 crimes were cleared with […]
New Crypto Enforcement Structure
What is happening? The FBI has formed a new team dedicated to cryptocurrency Why is this important? The FBI team will coordinate with the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team in relation to cyber crimes. How will this be important? The policy objective is to allow digital currencies to grow will limiting the illicit use of cryptocurrency. […]
What did Super Bowl Ads doe for Crypto?
What is happening? Coinbase’s app downloads increased by 309% week-over-week after its Super Bowl ad Why is this important? Crypto regulation is in its infancy How will this be important? Crypto usage and purchase will drive policy. TechCrunch | Super Bowl ads boosted crypto app downloads by 279%, led by Coinbase
Anatomy of Legislation to Define Crypto Market
What is happening? Congressman Josh Gottheimer proposes legislation to “designate certain digital currencies as “qualified” stablecoins if they can be redeemed on a one-for-one basis for U.S. dollars.” Why is this important? Stablecions would be backed by banks or designated reserve assets in a non-bank. How will this be important? Concerns include : “that a […]
Bitcoin Mining in Texas Estimates
What is happening? The BlockCain Council of Texas estimates 27 bitcoin mining companies in Texas. One of those companies, Geosyn Mining expects to operate 531 mining machines. Why is this important? Texas as Bitcoin Fund in operation and two new natural gas-powered bitcoin mining facilities in Texas How will this be important? Over the next […]
COVID Effect. New Data Disclosure Rules.
What’s happening? PA had a COVID tracing contractor data breach that resulted in SB 696 (2022 | PA) that would require governmental entities, including school districts, to disclose known data breaches within 7 days to those impacted Why is this important? The bill was amended to include 3rd party vendors. How will this be important? […]