Lawmaker wants briefing on ‘Shady Rat’ cyber attack

Congress

Lawmaker wants briefing on ‘Shady Rat’ cyber attack

Rep. Mary Bono Mack announced she wants a briefing on the recent wave of cyber attacks and whether public disclosure would help or hurt efforts to combat cyber ...

Federal News Network Staff

August 12, 2011 10:20 am

< a min read

Lawmakers are looking for more information about “Operation Shady Rat” — the cyber attack that targeted more than 70 government organizations and companies in 14 countries, including the United Nations, the Department of Energy and several defense contractors.

Security firm McAfee identified the attack and, now, Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.) wants a briefing. The Hill reports that she wants to know — among other things — whether public disclosure would help or hurt efforts to combat cyber crime. Bono Mack is also the sponsor of the SAFE Data Act, which would require companies to notify consumers if their personal information is breached.

This story is part of Federal News Radio’s daily Cybersecurity Update. For more cybersecurity news, click here.