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US cyber agency CISA exposed reams of passwords and cloud keys to the open web

Published

3 weeks ago

May 19, 2026

Preport

U.S. cybersecurity agency CISA may have escaped a sizable security breach, thanks to a good-faith security researcher who identified publicly exposed credentials that allowed access to government cloud and internal agency systems.

As first reported by independent security reporter Brian Krebs, GitGuardian security researcher Guillaume Valadon found reams of exposed plaintext credentials listed in spreadsheets, which had been made publicly accessible in a GitHub repository by an employee working for a CISA contractor.

Valadon told Krebs that the exposed credentials were used for accessing systems belonging to CISA and its parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security. Valadon said the credentials included access tokens, cloud keys, and other sensitive files. Valadon told Krebs that he tested some of the keys to verify that they were valid.

He then reported the lapse to Krebs because the CISA contractor who maintained the GitHub environment did not respond to their alerts.

The security lapse is particularly embarrassing for CISA because the U.S. government agency is responsible for cybersecurity across the civilian federal network. The organization also advises on best cybersecurity practices, which includes storing passwords in secured password managers and not in unprotected spreadsheets.

It’s not clear if anyone found or used the credentials other than Valadon. When reached by TechCrunch, a CISA spokesperson did not immediately comment or say if the agency has any evidence of a breach stemming from this exposure. TechCrunch asked if the agency has revoked and replaced the exposed credentials following the incident.

While the incident was traced back to an employee working for a CISA contractor, CISA is ultimately responsible for the security of its own network and systems, including contractors who work for the agency.

CISA has been without a permanent director since January 20, 2025, when then-CISA director Jen Easterly stepped down ahead of the start of the incoming Trump administration. CISA has also lost about a third of its workforce following cuts, furloughs, and layoffs since Trump took office.

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Related Topics:agency CISA cloud cyber exposed keys open passwords reams web

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Portugal Can Be Next World Cup Champions, Eric Chelle Posits Ahead Of Epic Friendly With Cristiano Ronaldo’s Team

Published

9 seconds ago

June 10, 2026

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Portugal Can Be Next World Cup Champions Eric Chelle Posits.jpg

Super Eagles’ coach, Eric Sekou Chelle posited ahead of his team’s international friendly away to Portugal on Wednesday that the hosts’ squad are capable of becoming champions at this year’s FIFA World Cup, Sports247 reports.

Chelle gave the permutation in his pre-match comments 24 hours before kick-off in Leiria, Portugal, where the Franco-Malian tactician affirmed that his team will give the best they can against their star-studded hosts.

He acknowledged that Portugal have many key players to count on under all circumstances, but equally assured that the Super Eagles will give a very good account of themselves during the encounter at Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa.

The former Mali and MC Oran FC of Algeria gaffer then spoke about the significance of his side’s clash with Cristiano Ronaldo et al, noting that it is another big step forward in the rebuilding process for the Nigerian team, after missing another FIFA World Cup.

Chelle submitted, “We will play against a big team. Normally, this team can be the next world champions. There are many big players in the team. So, we are very happy to have this chance to play against them. This is a big game for them and for us.

“This is not a question about the result. We played three years ago and we lost. This is not a question about that. The most important objective is to improve at every game. We have to come with a great state of mind and our philosophy.

“We want to take some pleasure in the field. We come with ambitions, with our strengths and weaknesses, and it will be a great game for us for sure. Portugal are preparing for a great competition and they need to be focused on that too.”

Sports247 gathered that the game in the Portuguese city of Leiria will begin at 8:45pm Nigeria time and it will be the hosts’ last match before flying out to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Business

Strong Growth, Profitability Drive AIICO’s 2026 Insurance Company of the Year Victory

Published

55 minutes ago

June 10, 2026

Preport

BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—AIICO Insurance Plc has been named Insurance Company of the Year 2026 at the Nairametrics Capital Market Awards, a recognition that underscores the company’s strong financial performance, sustained growth, and commitment to delivering value to shareholders.

The award, presented during the second edition of the Nairametrics Capital Market Awards, honours insurance companies that have demonstrated excellence across key performance indicators, including profitability, premium growth, return on equity, claims efficiency, and market share expansion.

According to Nairametrics, the selection process was guided by a comprehensive evaluation framework designed to assess financial strength, operational efficiency, and long-term value creation. AIICO emerged as the leading performer among its peers, reflecting its ability to maintain growth momentum while navigating an increasingly competitive operating environment.

The recognition highlights AIICO’s consistent execution of strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening its market position and enhancing customer value. With more than six decades of operations, the company has continued to adapt to evolving industry dynamics while maintaining a strong focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer relevance.

A significant milestone in the company’s transformation journey was the unveiling of its refreshed brand identity in December 2025. The rebranding marked a strategic move to modernise AIICO’s image and strengthen its appeal among younger consumers, while reinforcing the trust and confidence it has built with existing customers over the years.

Since the launch of the new identity, AIICO has increased its visibility across traditional and digital channels, supporting broader efforts to deepen customer engagement and reinforce its leadership position within Nigeria’s insurance sector.

The award comes at a time when the industry is facing heightened competition, evolving customer expectations, and increased regulatory scrutiny. AIICO’s strong showing across the award’s assessment criteria demonstrates its ability to balance profitability with operational efficiency while delivering sustainable value to stakeholders.

Held on June 5, 2026, at the Civic Centre in Lagos, the Nairametrics Capital Market Awards brought together regulators, investors, policymakers, and corporate leaders to celebrate organisations contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria’s capital market ecosystem.

For AIICO, the latest recognition adds to a growing list of industry accolades and reinforces its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most resilient and forward-looking insurance institutions, committed to driving innovation and creating long-term value in the financial services sector.

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