Legislation | Breaking Cybersecurity News | The Hacker News

Computer hackers and unauthorized informants could face up to 10 years in prison under a proposed state law designed to protect South Carolina military installations from WikiLeaks-type scandals. Charleston Republican Rep. Chip Limehouse announced on Monday that his bill, which will be considered when the legislature reconvenes next month, aims to strengthen the state's laws against computer crimes. The bill also seeks to complement federal laws by imposing additional penalties if classified or confidential information from Shaw Air Force Base, the Marine Corps' Parris Island, or other South Carolina military sites is disclosed. "It will essentially give South Carolina the means to pursue computer criminals," Limehouse said. "Our laws need to keep pace with the evolving digital landscape." Limehouse's bill builds on existing legislation that makes online fraud a felony, punishable by up to a $50,000 fine and five years in prison. Unauthorized public r...

A top Interpol chief has expressed concerns about the cybersecurity measures in banks across the region. According to Major Ali Qubaisi, the Interpol team leader for the Middle East and North Africa, and head of the Economic Crimes unit of the Qatari Interior Ministry, banks in the region are "under-protected" against cybercrime. Additionally, legislation is not keeping pace with technological advancements. In an exclusive interview with Emirates 24|7, Major Qubaisi highlighted that the protective measures adopted by Arab banks against cybercrime are insufficient. "Some of these banks are surprised by the number of crimes being committed, but that is due to a lack of protection which should be adopted in this vital sector," he stated. He emphasized that as many as 50% of Arab banks need "electronic patrols." These patrols consist of groups that work online to track and detect any attempts to penetrate a bank's systems. Major Qubaisi explained that mo...

IT leaders know the drill—regulators and cyber insurers demand regular network penetration testing to keep the bad guys out. But here's the thing: hackers don't wait around for compliance schedules. Most companies approach network penetration testing on a set schedule, with the most common frequency being twice a year (29%), followed by three to four times per year (23%) and once per year (20%), according to the Kaseya Cybersecurity Survey Report 2024 . Compliance-focused testing can catch vulnerabilities that exist at the exact time of testing, but it's not enough to stay ahead of attackers in a meaningful way. Why More Frequent Testing Makes Sense When companies test more often, they're not just checking a box for compliance—they're actually protecting their networks. The Kaseya survey also points out that the top drivers for network penetration testing are: Cybersecurity Control and Validation (34%) – ensuring the security controls work and vulnerabilities are minimized. Re...