DOJ’s Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative to Use False Claims Act in Pursuing Government Contractor Cybersecurity Shortfalls

The Department of Justice recently announced a new “Cyber-Fraud Initiative” aimed at “developing actionable recommendations to enhance and expand [DOJ’s] efforts against cyber threats.” The initiative will be part of DOJ’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and will use the False Claims Act as a tool to combat “cybersecurity related fraud” among federal contractors and grant recipients.