The Register: FCC stands up Council on National Security to fight China in ways that CISA used to

Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2025/03/16/infosec_news_in_brief/
Source: The Register
Title: FCC stands up Council on National Security to fight China in ways that CISA used to

Feedly Summary: PLUS: Alleged Garantex admin arrested in India; Google deletes more North Korean malware
Infosec In Brief United States Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr has unveiled plans to form a Council on National Security that will combat foreign threats to American tech and telecommunications infrastructure.…

AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: The text discusses recent developments in cybersecurity, specifically focusing on the establishment of a Council on National Security by the FCC to tackle foreign threats, critical vulnerabilities in software being actively exploited, arrests related to cybercrime, spyware apps attributed to North Korea, and legal consequences for an Australian investment firm over cybersecurity negligence. These topics are highly relevant for professionals in cybersecurity and infrastructure due to their implications on national security, software vulnerabilities, and compliance.

Detailed Description:

– **Council on National Security**:
– The FCC aims to form a council to combat threats from foreign adversaries, particularly from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
– Goals include:
– Reducing technology and telecom dependency on foreign adversaries.
– Mitigating vulnerabilities to cyberattacks, espionage, and surveillance.
– Ensuring the U.S. maintains a competitive edge in critical technologies like AI and 5G.

– **Active Exploitation of Vulnerabilities**:
– Several vulnerabilities have been identified, notably in software by Ivanti and Advantive, with CVSS scores that indicate a high severity of risk.
– CISA has issued warnings on multiple CVEs that are under exploitation, urging users to apply necessary patches.

– **Cybercrime Arrests**:
– The arrest of a Garantex administrator represents significant progress by U.S. authorities in tackling the laundering of stolen cryptocurrencies, which involved notorious ransomware groups.

– **Spyware Apps by North Korea**:
– New spyware applications linked to North Korean actors found in mainstream app stores underscore ongoing global cybersecurity threats.
– These apps are designed to collect sensitive data, exemplifying advanced methods employed by state-sponsored cybercriminals.

– **Legal Actions Against FIIG Securities**:
– An Australian investment firm is facing legal scrutiny for poor cybersecurity practices that led to significant data breaches.
– The case illustrates the importance of compliance with cybersecurity regulations and the potential repercussions of negligence in safeguarding sensitive information.

Overall, this text highlights key issues in cybersecurity, including governance, active threat detection, regulatory compliance, and the consequences of lapses in security protocols. It serves as a reminder for professionals to stay vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their organizations against an evolving landscape of cyber threats.