Earlier this week, Microsoft released its Digital Defense Report 2024, which details a cyber threat landscape that is increasingly dangerous and complex. Every day, Microsoft detects more than 600 million cybercriminal and nation-state attacks on its customers. While many cyberattacks are tied to military conflicts and regional tensions, financially motivated cybercrime, fraud, and ransomware are also rampant.
There is no easy solution to address cyber threats. While hardening systems is critical, there is also a role for governments to play in strengthening deterrence by imposing more severe consequences on threat actors. In addition to the full report, resources include this overview and the blog, “Escalating Cyber Threats Demand Stronger Global Defense and Cooperation.”
Thank you for reading. You’ll find more tech policy news and a highlighted podcast below.
This Week in Washington
- Nextgov: The federal government has launched an examination of how federal agencies purchase and use third-party data on Americans – and of the potential privacy risks arising from this practice.
- The Verge: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved a notice of inquiry to examine the impacts data caps have on consumers and competition, as well as why these caps persist. Many internet plans come with a data cap, and providers impose a fee if that cap is exceeded, which many households and businesses cannot afford.
- The Hill: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is taking steps to make digital subscription cancellations easier for consumers. Soon, the department will implement a “final click to cancel rule” that will require sellers to make canceling subscriptions as easy for consumers as it is to sign up for them.
- Fierce Telecom: The U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund has now awarded all U.S. states and territories their portion of the $10 billion fund, with $8 billion going to broadband infrastructure projects. These projects will bring broadband access to more than two million new locations.
- The Hill: The Treasury Department is utilizing AI to enhance its fraud detection process. The agency has shared that these enhanced measures have already helped prevent or recover more than $4 billion total in fraud.
Article Summary
- Cybersecurity Dive: A new Microsoft report found that the number of ransomware attacks that reach the encryption stage has decreased substantially over the past two years. This decrease is due in large part to automatic attack disruption technologies.
- Cyberscoop: Two Sudanese brothers were charged by federal prosecutors with running a cybercriminal operation responsible for tens of thousands of attacks on targets including technology companies, government agencies, and a prominent L.A. hospital. The indictment alleges the attack on Cedars-Sinai Medical Center sought to cause bodily harm and death.
- Wall Street Journal: The U.K. government announced that it secured a combined investment of $8.23 billion in data centers from four American tech companies. The commitments underscore a growing desire among U.S. businesses to expand their presence and services overseas to gain an edge over rivals in the AI race.
Featured Podcast
- Decoder
Duolingo has always focused on finding a way for technology to act as a teacher and the app’s recent investments in AI are helping to further these efforts. These investments allow the app to create real-time animation, real-time conversation, and even a video game application. Hear what Duolingo CEO and Co-founder Luis von Ahn has to say about the success of the app and the future of the app’s technology. (“Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn wants you addicted to learning” – October 14, 2024)