by Gary Miliefsky, Publisher, Cyber Defense Magazine
Every year, Black Hat showcases not just the latest innovations and products from the cybersecurity industry but also the presence of major government stakeholders who play a critical role in global cyber defense. This year, one federal agency caught everyone’s attention with a creative and unconventional approach.
Also making an appearance at Black Hat was the U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice Program (RFJ), which offers rewards for information on threats to U.S. national security. Originally a counterterrorism rewards program, RFJ now offers rewards for information on foreign election interference, illicit activities of individuals supporting the North Korean regime, and — most relevant to the Black Hat crowd — rewards of up to $10 million dollars for information on foreign government-linked malicious cyber activity targeting U.S. critical infrastructure.
The U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice booth before the opening of Black Hat 2025
featured swag, challenges for prizes, and a steampunk-themed backdrop, August 6, 2025. (U.S. Department of State photo)
RFJ’s steampunk-themed booth and swag drew a few thousand attendees over two days at Black Hat 2025. RFJ staff engaged participants in conversation about their cyber reward offers, offered challenging activities and a “make-your-own-wanted-poster” (with a cut-out for a participant’s face and an “old-school” analog instant camera to take the photo), and offered what one RFJ staffer touted as “the best cyber-themed stickers produced by the U.S. government.”
Samples of “the best cyber-themed stickers produced by the U.S. government” at the U.S. Department of State’s
Rewards for Justice booth at Black Hat 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada, August 6, 2025. (U.S. Department of State photo)
“We are very proud of RFJ’s efforts in helping to protect the nation from foreign-government-linked hackers and others who would do us harm by targeting our critical infrastructure. The Rewards for Justice program has helped our federal partners develop crucial information that has resulted in positive outcomes and highly successful investigations,” said John Bush, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for the State Department’s Threat Investigations and Analysis Directorate.
RFJ advertises reward offers and processes tips in 14 foreign languages. Learn more about their reward offers on their website or X account.
Black Hat 2025 showed us once again that cybersecurity isn’t just about the private sector’s innovation but also about how government agencies engage with the community. By stepping out of their usual seriousness and embracing a steampunk theme, the Rewards for Justice Program reminded us that creative outreach can drive serious conversations and maybe even help generate the tips that stop the next big cyberattack.
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About the Author
Gary Miliefsky is the publisher of Cyber Defense Magazine and a renowned cybersecurity expert, entrepreneur, and keynote speaker. As the founder and CEO of Cyber Defense Media Group, he has significantly influenced the cybersecurity landscape. With decades of experience, Gary is a founding member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a National Information Security Group member, and an active adviser to government and private sector organizations. His insights have been featured in Forbes, CNBC, and The Wall Street Journal, as well as on CNN, Fox News, ABC, NBC, and international media outlets, making him a trusted authority on advanced cyber threats and innovative defense strategies. Gary’s dedication to cybersecurity extends to educating the public, operating a scholarship program for young women in cybersecurity, and investing in and developing cutting-edge technologies to protect against evolving cyber risks. Logos and content in this article are for educational and news purposes, used under fair use of us copyright laws.
