Technology — HHS among federal agencies hit by cyberattack

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View Online Technology Technology The Big Story  HHS among federal agencies hit by cyberattack The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is among several federal agencies that were impacted by a global cyberattack that exploited a software vulnerability. © Alex Brandon/The Associated Press In a statement to The Hill, the department said although no "HHS systems or networks were compromised, attackers gained access to data by exploiting the vulnerability in the MOVEit Transfer software of third party vendors."   "HHS is taking all appropriate actions … and will provide Congress with additional information as the investigation continues," an HHS official said.   HHS is the latest agency that was reportedly affected by the breach. It was also reported that the Department of Energy was also impacted and asked to pay a ransom.   The Russian-speaking ransomware group known as CLoP is reportedly behind the government hack.   The hackers exploited a vulnerability in a software application known as MOVEit, which is widely used by government agencies to transfer files.    Read more in a full report at TheHill.com. Welcome to The Hill's Technology newsletter, we're Rebecca Klar and Ines Kagubare — tracking the latest moves from Capitol Hill to Silicon Valley. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads  How policy will be impacting the tech sector now and in the future: Meta outlines AI use on platforms Meta, the parent company of Facebook, announced a new set of tools and information Thursday surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and how to implement it on its social media platforms.  In a news release, Meta released two dozen system cards that focus on various features for Facebook and Instagram. The tool provides information on how its AI systems rank content and determine what is most relevant to the user.  Meta’s …  Full Story Meta oversight board wants Cambodian leader's account suspended Meta’s oversight board has recommended the social media giant suspend the Facebook and Instagram accounts of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen after he posted a speech that called for violence against political opponents. The board's report, released Thursday, advises Meta to take down a January speech when the authoritarian leader said those who do not support his party would be "beat up" and that he would "send gangsters" …  Full Story Former Google executive running for Feinstein Senate seat A former Google executive has launched a campaign for California Sen. Dianne Feinstein's (D) seat, which the longtime lawmaker is vacating following the 2024 elections, adding to a race already featuring three prominent House Democrats.   Full Story 3 investors face insider trading charges related to merger with owner of Trump's Truth Social Three men were arrested Thursday on insider trading charges related to a proposed business merger with the company that owns former President Trump's Truth Social platform, the Justice Department announced.  Full Story The Refresh  News we've flagged from the intersection of tech and other topics: Chinese spy balloon made up of US tech gadgets The spy balloon that entered U.S. airspace and was shot down by the military was made out of American tech gear, The Wall Street Journal reported.  California law enforcement ask self-driving cars for footage Police in San Francisco are requesting that self-driving cars release footage of videos that could help solve crimes, Bloomberg reported. In Other News  Branch out with other reads on The Hill: Microsoft makes final case for Activision Blizzard deal as federal judge decides whether to block it SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The fate of what could be the priciest merger in tech industry history will soon be in the hands of a federal judge who must decide whether to stop Microsoft from closing its deal to buy video game company Activision Blizzard. Federal antitrust enforcers have sued to block the $69 billion acquisition that they say will harm competition between Microsoft and gaming industry competitors such as Sony and Nintendo. Full Story What Others are Reading  Two key stories on The Hill right now: Supreme Court upends affirmative action in college admissions The Supreme Court in a pair of cases Thursday severely limited the use of race as a factor in college admissions, upending decades of affirmative action … Read more Progressives erupt over affirmative action ruling Progressives are appalled at the Supreme Court's decision to strike down affirmative action, a move they see as undermining their decades-long push … Read more What Others are Reading  Opinions related to tech submitted to The Hill: Is AI ready to handle cyber-economic warfare?   You're all caught up. See you tomorrow!  Check out The Hill's Technology page for the latest coverage. Like this newsletter? Take a moment to view our other topical products here 📩 Privacy Policy  |  Manage Subscriptions  |  Unsubscribe  1625 K Street NW, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20006 Copyright © 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved.

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