Friday, February 21, 2025
HomeCyber AttackPentagon Looks Into 'Critical Compromise' of Air Force and FBI Contacts

Pentagon Looks Into ‘Critical Compromise’ of Air Force and FBI Contacts

Published on

SIEM as a Service

Follow Us on Google News

The communications systems of 17 Air Force stations were concerned about “critical compromise” after $90,000 in federal radio technology had been stolen by a Tennessee-based engineer.

According to the warrant that Forbes was able to obtain, the breach could potentially have affected FBI communications.

As law enforcement searched the engineer’s house, they discovered that he had “unauthorized administrator access” to radio communications equipment used by the Air Education and Training Command (AETC), which was “affecting 17 DoD installations”.

The Pentagon defines the possible compromise of technology employed by the AETC, one of the nine “major commands,” as “interrelated and complementary” to Air Force headquarters. This occurred only three months after another breach of security at the Pentagon was exposed.

Air Force Engineer’s Home Raided 

During the raid, authorities also found an open computer screen that showed the suspect was using Motorola radio programming software, which included the “entire Arnold Air Force Base (AAFB) communications system.”

The suspect was running a Motorola radio programming software, “which contained the entire Arnold Air Force Base (AAFB) communications system,” according to a Department of Justice search warrant.

Authorities claimed to have discovered evidence the suspect may have had access to communications of the FBI and several Tennessee state agencies.

He was found to have a USB that included “administrative passwords and electronic system keys” for the AETC radio network, according to a paper outlining the forensics on the technologies that were confiscated from his residence.

He was found to have a USB that included “administrative passwords and electronic system keys” for the AETC radio network, according to a paper outlining the forensics on the technologies that were confiscated from his residence.

Additionally taken from the flash drives were “local law enforcement radio programming files,” Another USB device included “Motorola radio programming files,” which, when accessed, displayed a banner informing the user that they were U.S. government property.

When accessed, installation files found during the search displayed a “CONFIDENTIAL RESTRICTED” pop-up.

The warrant states that “witnesses and co-workers” informed investigators that the suspect sold radios and radio equipment, worked irregular hours, was arrogant, frequently lied, engaged in inappropriate workplace behavior and sexual harassment, had money issues, and owned (Arnold Air Force Base land mobile radio) equipment.

According to investigators, a colleague had twice reported him because of “insider threat indicators” and unauthorized possession of Air Force equipment, reads Forbes report.

According to his LinkedIn profile, the 48-year-old engineer at the Arnold air force base has extensive experience in both radio communications and cybersecurity.

He claimed to have conducted multiple tests of the security at Arnold Air Force Base, enhanced radio communication protection on the site, and knew the encryption used for government data.

As of right moment, the police have not charged the suspect with any crimes.

Keep yourself informed about the latest Cyber Security News by following us on GoogleNews, Linkedin, Twitter, and Facebook.

Gurubaran
Gurubaran
Gurubaran is a co-founder of Cyber Security News and GBHackers On Security. He has 10+ years of experience as a Security Consultant, Editor, and Analyst in cybersecurity, technology, and communications.

Latest articles

SPAWNCHIMERA Malware Exploits Ivanti Buffer Overflow Vulnerability by Applying a Critical Fix

In a recent development, the SPAWNCHIMERA malware family has been identified exploiting the buffer...

Sitevision Auto-Generated Password Vulnerability Lets Hackers Steal Signing Key

A significant vulnerability in Sitevision CMS, versions 10.3.1 and earlier, has been identified, allowing...

NSA Allegedly Hacked Northwestern Polytechnical University, China Claims

Chinese cybersecurity entities have accused the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) of orchestrating a...

ACRStealer Malware Abuses Google Docs as C2 to Steal Login Credentials

The ACRStealer malware, an infostealer disguised as illegal software such as cracks and keygens,...

Supply Chain Attack Prevention

Free Webinar - Supply Chain Attack Prevention

Recent attacks like Polyfill[.]io show how compromised third-party components become backdoors for hackers. PCI DSS 4.0’s Requirement 6.4.3 mandates stricter browser script controls, while Requirement 12.8 focuses on securing third-party providers.

Join Vivekanand Gopalan (VP of Products – Indusface) and Phani Deepak Akella (VP of Marketing – Indusface) as they break down these compliance requirements and share strategies to protect your applications from supply chain attacks.

Discussion points

Meeting PCI DSS 4.0 mandates.
Blocking malicious components and unauthorized JavaScript execution.
PIdentifying attack surfaces from third-party dependencies.
Preventing man-in-the-browser attacks with proactive monitoring.

More like this

SPAWNCHIMERA Malware Exploits Ivanti Buffer Overflow Vulnerability by Applying a Critical Fix

In a recent development, the SPAWNCHIMERA malware family has been identified exploiting the buffer...

Sitevision Auto-Generated Password Vulnerability Lets Hackers Steal Signing Key

A significant vulnerability in Sitevision CMS, versions 10.3.1 and earlier, has been identified, allowing...

NSA Allegedly Hacked Northwestern Polytechnical University, China Claims

Chinese cybersecurity entities have accused the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) of orchestrating a...