Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas) reintroduced the Cyber Deterrence and Response Act on Tuesday, legislation that would formally designate foreign hackers behind major cyberattacks as "critical cyber threat actors" subject to sanctions.
The bill would create a framework for attributing cyberattacks and target hackers who disrupt critical infrastructure, steal personal data or trade secrets, or undermine elections. The Office of the National Cyber Director would lead the designation process.
The legislation comes as Congress grows frustrated with cyberattacks like the Salt Typhoon campaign that infiltrated telecommunications networks. Similar legislation passed the House in 2018 but stalled in the Senate.
Source: CyberScoop