United States: What We Read – September 17, 2021

To print this article, simply register or connect to Mondaq.com.

Ransomware overview

Keeping up with the constant ransomware news is hard to keep up with, but here are some of the latest:

Penalties for payment? The Wall Street Journal reports that penalties for paying ransomware via cryptocurrency may be forthcoming, courtesy of the Treasury Department. Read about the proposal here (subscription may be required).

Russia and ransomware: FBI says nothing has changed, despite President Biden’s discussion of Russia’s hosting of ransomware gangs with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In fact, the REvil ransomware group has apparently returned from its “summer break”.

Microsoft finds a link to ransomware operations:If your organization has not yet applied the latest Microsoft security patches, you had better take action. Microsoft has linked a recently patched vulnerability that was exploited through malicious Office documents to known ransomware operators. Read more here.

Advertising technology and privacy

Big changes are underway for digital advertising through Apple and Google, potentially increasing the cost of acquiring customers for brands. Since Apple started asking users if they would allow tracking of their online activity, only a small percentage agreed. Read more.

And how will the ecommerce ecosystem market itself without third-party cookies? It will be a challenge, but first party data – data that companies have already acquired or are acquiring from consumers with their consent – will be the gold standard. Read more.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide on the subject. Specialist advice should be sought regarding your particular situation.

POPULAR POSTS ON: US Technology

Updated 09/16/2021: SEC Digital Assets Timeline

Perkins Coie LLP

The SEC Digital Assets Timeline serves as an interactive compilation of certain SEC guidance, enforcement action, and speeches relating to the enforcement of federal securities laws to digital assets.