SEC refreshes cyber unit. New Safe Mode. 
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FRIDAY, FEB. 21, 2025
Cisco acknowledges that Salt Typhoon attacked vulnerabilities in its products. SEC reworks its crypto and cyber investigative unit. And there is a new episode of Safe Mode. This is CyberScoop for Friday, February 21.
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The Cisco Systems logo is displayed at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona on February 25, 2019. (GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP)

Cisco finds Salt Typhoon

Salt Typhoon gained access to U.S. telecom networks by exploiting Cisco devices, initially using a seven-year-old vulnerability and legitimate credentials to infiltrate systems. Cisco acknowledged its equipment's role in Salt Typhoon's expansive attacks, advising users to patch vulnerabilities and secure management protocols to prevent exploitation. The threat group has maintained long-term, stealthy access to telecom infrastructure, leveraging advanced techniques to blend in with routine operations and move across networks, underscoring the campaign's sophistication and coordination. Matt Kapko has more.


Cybersecurity Modernization Summit | Mar 4, 2025

This virtual event will bring together cybersecurity leaders to explore the ongoing challenge of cybersecurity in the state and local government and higher education communities. They will discuss the expanding threat landscape, defense tactics and intersections with other trending topics in the public sector technology community with a focus on lessons learned. Register now!



SEC's cyber unit gets a refresh

The SEC has rebranded its Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit to the "Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit," with a broadened focus on combating cyber-related misconduct and protecting investors from emerging technology-related fraud. This new unit will address a wide range of issues, including fraud using blockchain and crypto assets, hacking to obtain nonpublic information, and compliance with cybersecurity regulations, led by co-chief Laura D'Allaird. While some observers worry the rebranding might signal a shift away from strict cryptocurrency enforcement, the unit continues to prioritize fraud involving blockchain technology among its focus areas, potentially reflecting an intention to adapt to broader technological changes while maintaining its core mission. Derek B. Johnson has more.


New Safe Mode episode

In this episode, you will hear Cynthia Kaiser, deputy assistant director in the bureau’s cyber division talk about the implications of the Salt Typhoon breach, which she spoke about during CyberScoop’s Zero Trust Summit. Kaiser characterized the breach as “a different level of insidiousness” from Beijing, one that reflects its “ambition and reckless aggression in cyberspace.” Listen here.


AITalks | Apr 24, 2025

Gain invaluable insights and connect with industry peers at AITalks. Explore the latest AI trends, best practices, and real-world use cases. Learn how to overcome challenges and maximize the benefits of AI for your organization. Register today!