Plus: The FBI got (at least a little bit) hacked, an election-disruption firm gets exposed, Russia mulls allowing “patriotic hacking,” and more.
Security / National Security
US Border Patrol Is Finally Able to Check E-Passport Data
After 16 years, the agency has implemented the software to cryptographically verify digital passport data—and it’s already caught a dozen alleged fraudsters.
The More You Look for Spy Balloons, the More UFOs You’ll Find
No, there’s not a sudden influx of unidentified objects in the skies above the US—but the government is paying closer attention.
The FBI’s Most Controversial Surveillance Tool Is Under Threat
A review of the FBI’s access to foreign intelligence reveals troubling misuse of powerful surveillance tech.
Russia’s Ransomware Gangs Are Being Named and Shamed
Members of the Trickbot and Conti cybercrime gangs have been sanctioned in an unprecedented wave of action against the country’s hackers.
Inside Safe City, Moscow’s AI Surveillance Dystopia
Moscow promised residents lower crime rates through an expansive smart city project. Then Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine.
The Chinese Spy Balloon Shows the Downsides of Spy Balloons
A popular military tool during the Cold War, spy balloons have since fallen out of favor—for good reason.
Congress Has a Lo-Fi Plan to Fix the Classified Documents Mess
As unsecured docs pile up, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is itching to overhaul the nation’s secret secret-sharing operation.
Enter the Hunter Satellites Preparing for Space War
True Anomaly, a startup backed by US senator JD Vance’s VC firm, plans to launch prototype pursuit satellites on a SpaceX flight later this year.
A Link to News Site Meduza Can (Technically) Land You in Russian Prison
Plus: Hive ransomware gang gets knocked offline, FBI confirms North Korea stole $100 million, and more.