Category Archives: Tom Graves

Rep. Graves: ‘Active defense’ bill will launch a new industry

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One of the authors of a controversial “hack back” bill in Congress believes the legislation can launch a new industry around “active defense” that allows companies to strike back against hackers who steal data. Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ga., predicts the private sector will develop new tools that will add a new layer of deterrence. Graves, who strenuously objects to the “hack back” terminology for the bill, spoke with CyberScoop earlier this month about the legislation. “You currently have a 1.5 percent conviction rate in cyberattacks,” Graves said. “I think you’ll see that rate go up because attribution will go up, but also because I think you’ll see the number of attacks reduced. And then you’ll see information sharing occurring prior to successful attacks, which will protect additional systems and networks as information being shared about attacks taking place or attempted attacks and the process they’re going about.” Graves and Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., […]

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DOJ examines controversial new ‘hack back’ bill

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Washington is waiting and watching for the Department of Justice to weigh in on the newly introduced Active Cyber Defence Certainty (ACDC) Act, a controversial proposal to legalize companies’ ability to “hack back” after being targeted in cyberattacks. Speaking at CyberTalks in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, DOJ special counsel Leonard Bailey said the department is still looking at the House bill, and he commended co-sponsors Tom Graves, R-Ga. and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz. for taking a years-long discussion “and actually producing legislative text.” “We look forward to thinking about that and figuring out what that balance looks like,” Bailey said. The DOJ’s position on ACDC is crucial because the bill would amend the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) as well as requiring law enforcement oversight and reports to the government by “entities that use active-defense techniques,” Graves explained last week when the newest version of the bill was introduced. NSA Director Adm. Mike Rogers warned Congress in May […]

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“Hacking back” legislation is back in Congress

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A bill legalizing companies’ ability to “hack back” after they’ve been attacked is back on track after months of feedback. Let’s unpack. Reps. Tom Graves, R-Ga., and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., introduced a modified Active Cyber Defence Certainty (ACDC) Act on Friday allowing companies to “hack back” against hackers in an effort to identify and stop cyberattacks. The ACDC amends the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), which makes it illegal to access computers without authorization. Companies and individuals would be granted the right to “active defense” using various ways to identify, disrupt and possibly even destroy data in the name of “hacking back.” “These changes reflect careful analysis and many thoughtful suggestions from a broad spectrum of industries and viewpoints,” Graves said in a statement. “I thank everyone who helped sharpen this idea and improve the legislation. I look forward to continuing the conversation and formally introducing ACDC in the next few weeks.” […]

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Active Defense Bill Raises Concerns Of Potential Consequences

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A bill that would exclude organizations from prosecution for hacking back is already stirring up some concerns about potential unintended consequences. Continue reading Active Defense Bill Raises Concerns Of Potential Consequences→