A Fresh Perspective on Cybersecurity Incidents and Government Response
A lighthearted joke at TechCrunch goes, “The security desk could be called the Department of Bad News”. Unfortunately, with the constant stream of cyber attacks and data breaches, it’s a joke that hits too close to home. However, amidst the chaos and danger, there are glimmers of hope that deserve recognition. These stories not only showcase the importance of doing the right thing in the face of adversity, but also offer a ray of light in the often grim world of cybersecurity.
Sometimes There is Good News
- Bangladesh thanked a security researcher for citizen data leak discovery
- Apple throwing the kitchen sink at its spyware problem
- Taiwan’s government didn’t blink before intervening after corporate data leak
- Leaky US court record systems sparked the right kind of alarm
- Google killed geofence warrants, even if it was better late than never
Despite their unique circumstances, these incidents all share one thing in common – they demonstrate the impact of government response in ensuring our safety and privacy in the digital realm.
The Bright Side of Breaches
When a security researcher discovered that a Bangladeshi government website was leaking the personal information of its citizens, it was clear that something needed to be done. Thanks to an accidentally cached Google search result, Viktor Markopoulos found citizen names, addresses, phone numbers, and national identity numbers exposed. While TechCrunch verified the data leak, attempts to notify the government department responsible were initially unsuccessful. The sensitivity of the data even prevented TechCrunch from identifying the specific department responsible.
However, the country’s computer emergency incident response team, also known as CIRT, eventually contacted TechCrunch to confirm that the exposed database had been fixed. It was later discovered that the leak originated from the birth, death, and marriage registrar office. In a public notice, CIRT assured the public that all efforts were made to understand and resolve the situation. Governments often handle scandals poorly, but this incident was met with a surprising response. The government sent an email to the researcher thanking them for their discovery and highlighting their commitment to cybersecurity in the face of adversity.
Similarly, when Apple faced a growing spyware problem, they chose to confront it head on. Despite previously claiming that Macs don’t get viruses, the company recognized the danger of commercial spyware developed and sold to governments. In response, they released Rapid Security Response fixes and introduced Lockdown Mode – a feature specifically designed to protect against targeted attacks. As a result, no known Lockdown Mode user has been hacked and the feature has successfully blocked ongoing targeted hacks.
The Power of Government Intervention
Taiwan’s government acted swiftly and decisively when TechCrunch brought a data leak to their attention. After discovering that a ridesharing service run by Taiwanese automotive giant Hotai Motors was leaking real-time updating customer data, TechCrunch attempted to contact the company directly. When there was no response, they turned to the government for assistance. Within an hour, Taiwan’s minister for digital affairs, Audrey Tang, responded to TechCrunch’s email by disclosing that the database had been pulled offline. The rapid response was followed by a fine for Hotai Motors and a mandate to improve their cybersecurity practices to prevent similar incidents. The government’s quick and effective intervention demonstrates their commitment to protecting their citizens’ privacy.
Government intervention can also be beneficial in preventing potential breaches. Security researcher Jason Parker discovered eight vulnerabilities in court records systems used in five U.S. states. Despite some states fixing the issues, others have yet to do so. While Florida took a heavy-handed approach by threatening Parker with anti-hacking laws, the incident also sparked a wake-up call for state officials to take action and secure their systems. The consequences of government intervention have the potential to make the internet a safer place for everyone.
Taking Responsibility
It can be difficult for a company to admit fault, especially when it involves a controversial issue like geofence warrants. These warrants allow police and government agencies to access users’ location data without their knowledge or consent. However, Google decided to take responsibility and announced they would begin storing location data on users’ devices, effectively putting an end to geofence warrants for real-time data. While it doesn’t undo past instances where data was obtained, it is a step in the right direction towards protecting user privacy. Hopefully, this will encourage other companies with similar practices to follow suit.
It’s easy to focus on the negative impacts of cybersecurity incidents, but these stories remind us that there can be positive outcomes as well. They demonstrate the importance of government response and responsibility in safeguarding our digital world. As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology and the internet, it is crucial to recognize and appreciate the efforts made to make it a safer place for all.
