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1 Cyberattack Impacts Federal Agencies and NATO Allies
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency confirmed yesterday that several federal agencies “experienced intrusions affecting their file transfer applications.” Anne Neuberger, the deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technology with the National Security Council, told CBS News that the hackers used a vulnerability in a piece of software used to move large files. Neuberger said that the hackers have already released some of the stolen information as part of their attempt to extort payments from companies. It wasn’t just governmental agencies that were affected by the attack. Johns Hopkins University, the University of Georgia, the BBC, and British Airways were also reportedly attacked during what a cybersecurity expert called one of the largest theft and extortion events in recent history. The attack was identified by CISA Director Jen Easterly said the hackers were CLOP Ransomware, a Russian group that’s been active since 2014. Officials say that no federal agencies have received ransom demands and none of the federal data has been leaked.
2 Alleged Classified Documents Leaker Jack Teixeira Indicted
The Massachusetts Air National Guardsman accused of leaking classified documents online was indicted by a federal grand jury yesterday. Jack Teixeira is accused of abusing his security clearance and posting classified documents online and is facing six counts of willful retention and transmission of classified information related to national defense. According to the Department of Justice, the documents included some that revealed military hardware the U.S. was delivering to Ukraine. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levey said in a statement that “We are committed to ensuring that those entrusted with sensitive national security information adhere to the law.” Each of the charges has a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison if convicted.
3 Three Dead After Texas Tornado During Dangerous Heat Wave
According to Ochiltree County Sheriff Terry Bouchard, three people are dead, 56 were injured, and two others are missing after a tornado tore through Perryton, Texas yesterday afternoon. The office of Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to deploy state emergency response resources, and help has already been sent by the Texas Department of Transportation, State Health Services, the Department of Public Safety, and others. The severe weather spawned in the middle of a dangerous heat wave that’s covering most of Texas in temperatures over 100 degrees. According to ERCOT, the council that oversees electricity in the state, the record for most energy usage in Texas will likely be broken during the next week as air conditioners run more than usual. Some south Texas locations are forecast to have a heat index as high as 120 degrees. When asked if he was confident that the power grid would hold up, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said to a reporter, “Should we pray now or pray later?”