ATLANTA - The Georgia Institute of Technology and the Georgia Tech Research Corporation are now subject of a federal whistleblower lawsuit filed the Department of Justice claiming the institutions failed to meet cybersecurity requirements in connection with U.S. Department of Defense contracts. The lawsuit raises claims under the False Claims Act and federal common law.
GTRC, an affiliate of Georgia Tech, is responsible for contracting with government agencies for work performed at Georgia Tech and its related entities. The United States' complaint, filed on Feb. 20, is part of a whistleblower suit initiated by current and former members of Georgia Tech’s cybersecurity team.
"Cybersecurity compliance by government contractors is critical in safeguarding U.S. information and systems against threats posed by malicious actors," said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. "For this reason, we expect contractors to abide by cybersecurity requirements in their contracts and grants, regardless of the size or type of the organization or the number of contracts involved. Our office will hold accountable those contractors who ignore cybersecurity rules."
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Bryan Boynton of the Civil Division echoed Buchanan's sentiment, emphasizing the risks posed by non-compliance. "Government contractors that fail to follow and fully implement required cybersecurity controls jeopardize the security of sensitive government information and information systems and...
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