FBI announces cyber strategy as Treasury 'cracks down' on China-linked criminals

The FBI has unveiled a comprehensive cyber strategy aimed at tackling hackers and cyber threats both within the United States and abroad. Assistant Director Brett Leatherman unveiled the report at the Billington Cyber Security Summit in Washington. The strategy covers a range of areas, from protecting individuals, organizations, and businesses in the US to sending a message to adversaries about the FBI's commitment to combating cyber threats.

The report outlines five key pillars: dismantling digital tools, supporting victims, collaborating with the private sector, enhancing cyber talent, and educating staff about safe AI use.

State-sponsored cyber threats, particularly from China, are highlighted as the most significant risk to national security. The FBI notes that China poses a greater threat than other countries such as Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control has also taken action, issuing sanctions against Xinbi Guarantee, a Chinese-language platform used by Chinese cyber criminals for illicit online marketplaces supporting various criminal activities.

Recently, Iran has also been a concern for the FBI. While the bureau refrains from mentioning Iran specifically, deputy assistant director Jason Bilnoski emphasized the agency's collaboration with private sector partners and allies to combat cyber criminals, botnets, and malware. Following the US and Israel's February attack on Iran, technology analysts have observed a surge in Iran-backed cyber attacks against the US.

One such incident involved the group Handala, linked to Iran, hacking the personal email and cloud services of FBI Director Kash Patel after US-Iran tensions escalated. The group also breached the systems of Stryker, a major medical technology company, and the California Water Service, resulting in significant data breaches and water supply disruptions.