cybersecurity

Security flaws found in popular smart home devices

By Jamie Leventhal

Researchers reviewed 24 smart home security gadgets, finding that the majority of these popular systems contained critical design flaws.

Cyberattacks on Texas cities put other governments on guard

By Kathleen Foody, Associated Press

Government agencies that fail to keep reliable backups of their data could be forced to choose between paying ransoms or spending even more to rebuild lost systems. Officials are increasingly turning to cybersecurity insurance to help curb the growing threat.

Senate report: all 50 states were targeted by Russian interference ahead of 2016 elections

By Lisa Mascaro, Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday blocked a House-passed bill that would authorize $775 million to beef up state election systems. GOP leaders made the case that the Trump administration has already made great strides in protecting the vote…

U.S. attorney general says encryption on digital devices creates security risk

By Tami Abdollah, Associated Press

William Barr's comments at a cybersecurity conference mark a continuing effort by the Justice Department to push tech companies to provide law enforcement with access to encrypted devices and applications during investigations.

Huawei asks court to rule U.S. security law unconstitutional

By Yanan Wang, Associated Press

Fighting to maintain its access to major markets for next-generation communications, Chinese tech giant Huawei is challenging the constitutionality of a U.S. law that limits its sales of telecom equipment.

Huawei faces loss of some Google services after U.S. ban

By Joe McDonald, Associated Press

The Trump administration has targeted China's first global tech brand, ratcheting up disputes with Beijing over technology, trade and cyber-security.

Facebook busts Israeli company’s campaign to disrupt elections

By Isabel Debre, Raphael Satter, Associated Press

Facebook's head of cybersecurity policy told reporters that the tech giant had purged 65 Israeli accounts, 161 pages, dozens of groups and four Instagram accounts.

U.S. and European officials bring charges in global malware case

By Eric Tucker, Associated Press

The malware enabled criminals from Eastern Europe to take remote control of infected computers and siphon funds from victims' bank accounts, and targeted companies and institutions across all sectors of American life.

Microsoft offers software tools to secure elections

By Frank Bajak, Associated Press

Dubbed "ElectionGuard," the Microsoft kit will have early prototypes ready to pilot for next year's general elections.

2020 campaigns grapple with how to manage cybersecurity

By Colleen Long, Christina A. Cassidy, Associated Press

Whether presidential campaigns have learned from the cyberattacks is a critical question ahead as the 2020 election approaches. Preventing the attacks won't be easy or cheap.