FBI Director Answers Questions About The Flathead Valley Cyber Threats

Cyber-crimes are being committed all across the United States and Montana is no exception. On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Steve Daines spoke with the Federal Bureau of Investigation about the recent cyber threats in the Flathead Valley.

“Cyber-terrorism is an emerging threat that has become all too real in Montana,” said Daines. “Two weeks ago, the Columbia Falls School district received cyber-threats promising harm and demanding ransom. This forced the closure of more than thirty schools across multiple school districts and affected over fifteen thousand Montana children. This is unprecedented. We have not seen that before.”

The culprit responsible for the recent cyber threats in Montana has been identified as “The Dark Overlord”, which is an overseas criminal organization. Daines asked F.B.I. Director Chris Wray what is being done to prevent these cyber-crimes and this was his response.

“There are a variety of technological things we can do,” said Wray. “We are also working with partners to try to exchange information to help identify telltale signs that may help us link back to particular organizations, but make no mistake it is a is a very serious threat and it's growing.”

Wray mentioned that the F.B.I. is actively investigating the cyber threats that just occurred in Montana.