CBS19: Spanberger pushes for legislators to take action against hackers

Jun 11, 2021
Economy & Jobs
Energy & Environment
In the News

CBS19, SARAH ROBINSON

Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger says that she wants legislators to work with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to prevent ransomware attacks in the future or there could be more.

“These threats are real and I do expect they will continue,” she said.

Spanberger is pushing for legislators to tackle the hacking issue head-on. Recently, the United States suffered two ransomware attacks at the hands of Russian criminals: the Colonial Pipeline and JBS Meat shutdowns impacted millions of Americans.

“Some organizations, private businesses or localities pay the ransom to control their network,” said Spanberger.

Joseph Blount, the CEO of the Colonial Pipeline, discussed his decision to pay $5 million to hackers during a Senate committee hearing.

“We wanted to stay focused on getting the pipeline back up and running. I believe with all my heart it was the right choice to make,” he said.

Despite the FBI recovering most of the money, some senators believe Blount made the wrong move.

“The FBI and other security agencies strongly discourage paying ransom because it incentivizes more people to become cybercriminals,” said Senator Maggie Hassan from New Hampshire.

Spanberger says it’s important anyone impacted by hackers reports the incident because the extent of the attacks is not fully known.

“We need to do more to strengthen our cyber infrastructure, particularly the federal government,” added Spanberger.

Recent Posts


Oct 11, 2024
Social Security, Medicare, & Retirement

NEW: Spanberger Pens Op-Ed Urging Colleagues to Vote to Pass Her Bipartisan Bill to Eliminate WEP & GPO

The Bipartisan “Social Security Fairness Act” Would Eliminate Two Provisions of the “Social Security Act” That Unfairly Reduce Benefits for Millions of Americans Who Have Devoted Much of Their Careers to Public Service Thanks to the Congresswoman’s Effort to Force a Vote on the Legislation, the “Social Security Fairness Act” Will Come to the U.S. […]



Oct 10, 2024
Energy & Environment

Spanberger Urges Speaker Johnson to Call U.S. House Back to Capitol Hill to Pass Emergency Appropriations Funding Following Hurricanes Helene & Milton

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger is urging U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson to call Members of Congress back to Capitol Hill to pass supplemental appropriations funds to support Virginia’s communities and communities across the Southeastern United State in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In a letter to Speaker Johnson, Spanberger and […]



Oct 10, 2024
Good Governance

NEW: Spanberger Ranked #1 Most Collaborative Member of Congress from Virginia, #3 in the Country

An “A” Bridge Grade is Given to Members of Congress Who Exemplify Governing Behaviors that Bridge Our Country Rather than Divide It WOODBRIDGE, Va. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger this week was ranked as the most collaborative Member of Congress from Virginia — and the third most collaborative lawmaker on Capitol Hill. Bridge Grades score […]