Overnight Cybersecurity: Lawmakers close to finalizing Apple-approved encryption bill
February 23, 2016
By CORY BENNETT and KATIE BO WILLIAMS
The Hill
Welcome to OVERNIGHT CYBERSECURITY, your daily rundown of the biggest news in the world of hacking and data privacy. We're here to connect the dots as leaders in government, policy and industry try to counter the rise in cyber threats. What lies ahead for Congress, the administration and the latest company under siege? Whether you're a consumer, a techie or a D.C. lifer, we're here to give you...
THE BIG STORIES:
--AN APPLE-APPROVED BILL: Two lawmakers will reveal more details about a major encryption bill on Wednesday amid a renewed debate over what role Congress should play in regulating encryption standards. The long-awaited measure, from House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), would establish a national commission to figure out how police can get at encrypted data without endangering Americans' privacy. The bill, which is expected to actually drop sometime next week, is intended to cut through the heated rhetoric that has defined the encryption debate in the wake of the terror attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, Calif. Apple's recent decision to rebuff a court order seeking help unlocking an iPhone belonging to one of the San Bernardino shooters has only upped the ante in the long-running feud between the tech community and law enforcement. Apple has said that the Warner-McCaul efforts are the one legislative path they support, and have vowed to participate on the commission if the bill is passed.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) is pressing FBI Director James Comey to withdraw a court order directing Apple to unlock an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino shooters. (The Hill)
The FBI has issued a warning about pro-Islamic State hackers carrying out cyberattacks on the U.S., but notes that most of the attacks are relatively unsophisticated. (Motherboard)
The cybersecurity industry, once one of the hottest targets for venture capitalists, is grappling with a funding slump that has forced some startups to sell or cut spending. (Reuters)